Dr. Adelaide Meador Cole

Dr. Adelaide Meador Cole, 89, of New Castle died Friday morning, Dec. 21, following a brief illness.
Born June 6, 1923 in Hinton, W. VA., she was the daughter of Vollmer A. Meador and Josephine Ratliff Meador.

Dr. Cole graduated as valedictorian from Talcott High School, W. VA. in 1941. She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree, summa cum laude, in physical education from Marshall University in Huntington, W.VA. and her Master of Arts Degree from Duke University where she was an honor student majoring in history of the south. She earned her doctorate from Columbia University’s Teachers’ College where she was a fellow in physical education. She completed a year’s course at the Episcopal Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital in Washington, D.C. She was a part-time professor of physical education from 1951-1952 in Cedarville College in Ohio. From 1953 to 1960, she was associate professor at Pan American College in Edinburg, TX and served as an American Red Cross instructor trainer and first aid American Red Cross water safety instructor. During this time, she also served as an American Red Cross First Aid lecturer and received the American Red Cross Outstanding Services Award for her volunteer work with physically handicapped and mentally retarded children.
Dr. Cole was associate professor of physical education at California Western University in San Diego from 1960 to 1961 and as associate professor at New Mexico Highlands University in Las Vegas, N.M. from 1961 to 1965. During summer terms, she taught graduate courses and sponsored graduate research. She was faculty sponsor for Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority and faculty director of the Women’s Recreation Association. She was an intercollegiate athletic coach of basketball, volleyball, softball, badminton, and track and field events. She was associated with Ball State University from 1966 until her retirement in 1986. During her tenure, she was director of graduate studies in the School of Physical Education and Athletics, professor of physical education, administrative assistant to the chairman of the school, and temporary chairman of the school for two years. While at Ball State, she served on the honors committee, the Professional Policies Council, the Undergraduate Education Policies Council, Graduate Education Policies Council, and committee-member-at-large. Among her other activities at Ball State were Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority, homecoming judge, United Fund Drive, and Affirmative Action Appeals Board. Dr. Cole served on the research committee for the school’s College of Find and Applied Arts and was active in the school’s University Senate. From 1984 to 1987, she was on the University Senate of the College of Applied Science and Technology and was chairperson of the graduate council for the School of Physical Education and Athletics. She wrote the “Historical Survey of Women’s Physical Education at Ball State University”. Dr. Cole was a member and officer of several honorary professional organizations and fraternities. She was the author of numerous book chapters and magazine articles. She also was honored by being listed in “The World’s Who’s Who of Women,” “The World’s Who’s Who of Women in Education,” “Who’s Who in the Midwest,” “Leaders in Education,” “Who’s Who of American Women,” “Marquis Who's Who,” in addition to many other bibliographical listings. She served as Regent of the New Castle Sarah Winston Henry Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She also received an Outstanding Service Award from the American National Red Cross and the Professional Honor Award from the Indiana Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. She was an avid traveler and visited several sites throughout the United States and Mexico.

Dr. Cole is survived by her husband of 48 years, James Lewis Cole of New Castle; one son, John A. (wife, Teresa) Hunter of Edinburg, TX, three daughters, Dr. W. Alexandra “Sandy” Hunter Barker of Punta Mita, Mexico, Mary Adelaide ( husband Eugene) Hunter Gwin of Wichita Falls, TX, and Tanya Sean Cole of Muncie; two grandchildren, Aleisha Adelaide Gwin Davis of Rapid City, SD and Lt. Alexander Hunter Gwin of Albuquerque, NM; and three nephews and three nieces.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Ball State University Foundation, 2000 W. University Ave., Muncie, IN 47306 and the New Castle Alumni Association’s scholarship fund at Henry County Community Foundation, PO Box 6006, New Castle, IN 47362 with envelopes available at the funeral home.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle. You may express your condolences or share a memory of Adelaide at www.hinsey-brown.com .