Carmen Ann Douglas

On Tuesday, May 2, 2023, the Lord God Almighty called home one of his angels.
Carmen Ann (Cole) Douglas was born on June 8, 1936, in Santa Monica, CA to Norman and
Ruth Blackwell.
Carmen Ann moved with her family to Sacramento, CA in 1941 where she attended grammar
schools in the Oak Park community. Carmen Ann lived a few years with her grandmother in
Auburn where she attended Placer High School but later graduating from McClatchy High
School.
After years of courtship, Carmen Ann realized her heart would only beat for one person, Henry
“Dick” Cole. In 1953, Dick became her devoted husband of 43 years. Out of that union, five
children were born: Henry Jr, Mitchell, the twins-Michelle and Michael, and Mark. Dick
preceded Carmen Ann in death.
Carmen Ann later found love again when she met and married Leroy Douglas. Their union lasted
16 years until his death.
Carmen Ann grew up playing sports, but her greatest love was fast and slow-pitch softball. She
was an outstanding player, but she was most famous for playing shortstop. She could run so fast
that she would often beat out a double play. She also played on several women and co-ed softball
teams that traveled and played in Sacramento and the surrounding areas.
Carmen Ann enjoyed watching and supporting her kids, grandkids, nieces, and nephews while
they participated in their various sporting events and activities. She loved family road trips and
visiting relatives out of town. She especially loved bbq’s and parties where she loved to dance,
socialize and play cards with her family and friends. But most importantly, she loved spending
time with her siblings and partying with her best friend and sister, Revena.
Carmen Ann’s work history included: the State of California at EDD as a data processing clerk;
Ace Hardware Distribution as a receptionist and the Lincoln School – Special Education Center
as a teacher’s aide.
Thanks to her loving and devoted husband, Dick, who supported and sponsored all of her
entrepreneurial endeavors, Carmen Ann was able to wear many hats. She was the Avon lady,
Mary Kay lady, Tupperware lady, the Fashion Frock Designs lady (clothing line) and finally
becoming a licensed daycare provider where to which she ran out of her home. But ultimately,
Carmen Ann loved being a stay-at-home wife.
Carmen Ann was very friendly, inquisitive, outgoing, youthful, funny and she loved the Lord. In
1971, Carmen Ann and Dick joined the Sacramento Christian Reformed Church, now known as
Living Stones Christian Reformed Church. She served as a Sunday school teacher, deacon, elder,
Coffee Break member (bible study), an original member of the Zippity Doo Dahs (bible study
cell group); and a member of the “Red Circle Group” (women who wore red on occasions).

Carmen Ann was preceded in death by her parents, Norman and Ruth Blackwell; her two
husbands, Henry Thomas Cole, Sr., and Leroy Douglas; her son, Mitchell Cole; her sisters,
Margaret Lark, Revena Tatum; and her brother, John Blackwell.
Carmen Ann is survived by her four children: Henry Cole, Jr. (Diane), Michelle Cole-Lambert
(Michael), Michael Cole (Anna) Mark Cole (Veronica), daughter-in-law, Debra Cole; her
brother, Norman Blackwell Sr; sister Joan Smith; 11 grandkids, 17 great grandkids and a host of
nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Carmen Ann leaves us to cherish her strong bond for love and faith, along with all the wonderful
family memories.

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