Enka Cole

Enka Ericika Benson Cole, daughter of Ernest A. and Jeanie Scott Benson, was born in Monroe, Louisiana on December 22, 1971.

During the early morning of Tuesday, August 17, 2021, Enka peacefully transitioned from her earthly life after a relentless and courageous battle with cancer. Our community has suffered a loss who will be profoundly missed!

At a very early age, Enka, an extraordinary and compassionate educator, committed her life to inspiring the next generation of leaders. Upon completing high school in Copperas Cove, Texas, she attended the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. Once she obtained her Bachelor of Science degree, she immediately went to work as a first-grade teacher at Meadows Elementary School in Killeen, Texas. Soon after, she earned a Master of Education degree from Tarleton State University. In 1998, the Cole family moved to Georgia where Enka became the Assistant Principal at Monroe County Middle School. While there, Enka became a certified Education Specialist through Georgia College and State University. Returning to Central Texas in 2000, she directed the Teacher Certification Department at the Education Service Center Region 12, there she oversaw teacher certification for more than ninety (90) school districts across Central Texas.

In 2005, Enka founded her first preschool, Imagination Station. The accelerated growth and success of this entrepreneurial endeavor quickly led to a need to expand the business. In 2007, she launched the existing Schools at Children’s Tree House. Enka was a member of Marlboro Heights Baptist Church and loved spending time with her family, friends, and pets, traveling, reading, and watching romantic and historical dramas.

Enka will be passionately remembered as a loving and devoted wife and mother. She is survived by her beloved husband of 24 years, Mr. John Cole, Jr., Kaitlyn Cole and Brianna Cole (daughters), and John Cole, III (son). Enka is also survived by her father, Ernest A. Benson, sister, Ann Marie Clavell, three aunts, and a significant extended family. She was preceded in death by her mother, Jeanie Benson-Hatchett and stepson, Julian Anthony Cole.