Talitha Cumie Cole was born July 16, 1920 to the union of the late Henry and Lucy McConnell in Chatham, Louisiana. At the age of 97, she earned her wings and was called home February 9, 2018 at Kansas City Hospice House, Kansas City Missouri.

Talitha, known to most as "Cumie," received her education at Adams Chapel, Jackson High School, and Jasper Henderson High School. She continued her education at Southern University. Throughout her studies she developed a love for English and especially loved to read.

Cumie accepted Christ at the age of thirteen at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church. She was very active in her walk with Christ, expressing it through her love of music. In the late 1940's she moved to Kansas City, Missouri and joined Spruce Baptist Church. Later, she joined Palestine Missionary Baptist Church where she was the Director of the Senior Citizens choir, and remained a member until her passing. She took pride in being a part of her family music group The McConnell singers. One of her life's fondest memories was her trip to the Holy Land with her church family.

After her move to Kansas City, Cumie met Jack Cole and they were joyously joined and lived in Holy Matrimony until his passing in 1982.

Throughout her life, she was a loyal employee at U.S. Army Quarter Master, Directory Visitation Catholic Church, and King Radio. In her later years she went back to volunteer with the Senior Companion Program.

Cumie was preceded in death by her parents Henry and Lucy McConnell; brothers Jeffery McConnell, Harvey McConnell, Donnie McConnell, and Hardy McConnell; and sisters Frankie Osborne and Jessie Levingston.

To cherish her memory she leaves her sister Thelma Townsend; sister-in-law Julia McConnell; special niece Linda Cunningham; namesake and great niece Talitha Bates; and a host of nephews, nieces, family and friends.