Iris Lawter Cole

With her children by her side, Iris Lawter Cole, formerly of Raytown, MO and Bartow, FL, slipped peacefully into the arms of the Lord on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, after celebrating her 95th birthday on February 2nd. She is now reunited with her husband, Dick.

Iris, daughter of Dewey and Lucy (Stewart) Lawter, was born and raised in Inman, South Carolina. She graduated from Bob Jones University and married Frederick “Dick” Cole on May 31, 1950. They were married for 62 years. Iris also achieved a Master’s Degree from UMKC.

Iris was a teacher most of her life. After moving to Missouri in 1966, she spent 17 years teaching English and Drama at Raytown South High School, and another 21 years in Florida at Bartow High School. She loved the theater and being a drama teacher was her passion.

Iris loved to travel and enjoyed countless trips and cruises over the years, even taking three grandchildren to Europe with her. She believed traveling opens our eyes to a much bigger world and it along with her faith in Jesus gave her a loving acceptance of everyone.

She was also a Pastor's Wife and served faithfully alongside Dick during many years of his ministry, including 17 years at First Baptist Church of Raytown, now called Connection Point Church, where she was actively involved in the LLL group. There is no measure for the impact their ministry has had on those lives they touched.

Iris was preceded in death by her parents. She leaves behind her son Rick and his wife, Cathy of Gladstone, MO. and grandchildren, Richard Cole, Lindsay Cole, Nicholas, and wife, Holly Cole, and Brandon and wife, Ravyn Cole, all of Kansas City, MO. She also leaves six great-grandchildren: Loc, Lincoln, Sami Lynn, Landon, Lucy, and Eddie, as well as, her brother Gene and wife Kathryn Lawter of Columbiaville, MI.

A service celebrating her life and entry into Heaven is scheduled for Sunday, March 9th, 2025, at 3:00 pm at Speaks Suburban Chapel, 18020 E. 39th St. S., Independence, MO 64055, with visitation proceeding the service from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Burial will be at Fort Leavenworth, KS at a later date.