Richmond, Kentucky - Jo Nelda Upchurch Cole was born in Pall Mall, Tennessee, on December 28, 1934, to Ridley Claxton and Lillian Naola Neal Upchurch. Jo Nelda is survived by her children, Mark Cole (Annette), Kathy Wilford (Frank), Lisa Bush (Greg), and David Cole (Carol), nine grandchildren: Branden Riggins (Brittany), Carrie Adcock (Chris), Jesica Mullins (Sam), Derek Bush (Jennifer), Alec Bush, Logan Cole (Mariel), Laura Rosser (Garrison), Hailey Cole and Anthony Cole and six great-grandchildren: Jovie Riggins, Nellie Adcock, Hallie Riggins, Livie Adcock, Charlotte Bush, Chloe Bush with one more expected soon. Jo Nelda is also survived by two sisters, Helen Pierce of Pall Mall, TN and Betty Vernon of Daytona Beach, FL. She was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband of 66 years, Chester Lee (C.L.) Cole, and her brothers, Jack, James, and Lacy Upchurch.

She attended the York Institute in Jamestown, TN for her early education and later earned her undergraduate degree in Home Economics from the University of Tennessee, and graduate degrees at Eastern Kentucky University. Jo Nelda devoted over thirty years to the University of Kentucky Department of Agriculture as Madison County 4-H Youth Extension Agent.

Jo Nelda and C.L., were deeply committed to the First United Methodist Church of Richmond, Kentucky. Upon their arrival in Richmond in the 1950s, they became active members of the church and served in various leadership positions throughout their time there. Jo Nelda also dedicated her time to volunteering in the gift shop at Pattie A. Clay Hospital. In addition to her volunteer work, she served as a board member for the Pattie A. Clay Hospital Foundation.

Funeral Services will be conducted at 1:00 PM Friday, April 17, 2026, at The First United Methodist Church with Rev. Eric Espada and Rev. Gene Strange officiating. Burial will follow in the Richmond Cemetery. Her grandsons will serve as pallbearers.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM Friday at The First United Methodist Church.

Memorial contributions may be made to The McCready-Telford Foundation, 300 Stocker Drive or to The First United Methodist, P.O. Box 27, Richmond, Kentucky 40476

The Combs, Parsons & Collins Funeral Home, West Main Street, is in charge of the arrangements. www.cpcfh.com