Samantha Jean Smith Cole passed away Wednesday, May 22, 2024 at her home following a several year battle with cancer. She was born April 22, 1970, which was also the very first Earth Day, in Hart, Michigan, to Aaron and Laurie Mannor Smith. She had lived in Michigan, Texas, Colorado and Illinois during her lifetime and loved to travel. She leaves behind her mother, Laurie Ann Mannor Smith of Sierra Blanca, Texas; her best friend and soulmate, Rodney Daniel Cole of Martinsville, IL and his family which includes her granddaughter, Sophia Marie Cole and son, Joseph Rodney Cole of Marshall; a son, Jesse James Cole of Clinton, Indiana. and a special mention made of her nephew, John Aaron Fitch who in her final days became another son to her and who devoted himself to her care. She also leaves behind siblings, Carey Lynn Smith and Stephen Mayfield; brother, Aaron Lee Smith; a sister, Toni Marie Smith and Joey Wiley all of Texas as well as three nieces and eight nephews plus aunts, uncles and cousins too numerous to mention by name. Sam also leaves behind a best friend she considered a “Heart Sister", Lynell Flanner Richter. On Rodney’s side she leaves behind numerous siblings, mother-in-law, Sharol Witts Cole and an abundance of nieces and nephews. She enjoyed many things in life and was a true nature lover. She was passionate with her love of hummingbirds. Her hobbies included photography, arts and craft, crocheting and painting. All services will be private. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made directly to her husband, Rodney Cole. Online condolences are being accepted at pearcefuneralservices.com.