Tuesday, July 28, 2026 9:25 am

Judy Toney Cole, age 78, of Rutherfordton, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at her home surrounded by her loving family.
Judy was born Wednesday, October 29, 1947 in Rutherford County to the late Horace Jefferson Toney and Mattie Gettys Toney. She was a graduate of East Rutherford High School, class of 1966 and had the honor to be in the first graduating class of Isothermal Community College. Judy was a dedicated homemaker and a caregiver for the family. She loved reading her Bible and was known to all as a "prayer warrior." Judy was an active and charter member of Ross Hill Baptist Church where she sang in the choir, taught Sunday School, and served on many church committees. She also enjoyed gardening, baking, and spending time with family and friends. Judy will forever be remembered as a dedicated Christian wife, mother, nana, sister, aunt and friend.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother-in-law, Tony Mullinax.
Those left to cherish her memory include her husband of fifty-seven years, C.L. "Sonny" Cole; daughter and son-in-law Kimberly and Michael Ferguson of Forest City; brothers and sisters-in-law, Darrell and Connie Toney of Sunshine, and Tim and Terri Toney of Union Mills; sisters and brother-in-law, Sandy and Hal Condrey of Sunshine, and Libby Mullinax of Shelby; granddaughter, Zoe Grace Ferguson and a host of beloved nieces and nephews.
The funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, July 31st at Ross Hill Baptist Church with Reverend Sammy Lawson and Mr. Tim Toney officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 12:00 until 1:45 pm on Friday, prior to the service at the church.
Memorial donations are suggested to Ross Hill Baptist Church, 996 Big Island Road, Rutherfordton, NC 28139.
Harrelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been entrusted with arrangements.
An online guest registry is available at www.harrelsonfuneralhome.com