[Ronald Sarbo]

Widow of Nat and Mother of Natalie has died at the age of 89.

[Judy]

Thanks, Ron. Sad news.

[Nancy]

Another dear old friend gone.

Did you know that Maria sang with Count Basie's band and later with Duke Ellington's band?

She was tall, slender, graceful and very kind. I can hear her speaking voice as I type this.

[Rhodalee]

Sad news, may she rest in peace.

[ARIES3032]

I read this in the paper this AM. Rest in peace Maria, and prayers for Natalie.

[voice1]

What a classy lady.

[sabaue]

Very sad news. Rest in Peace Mrs. Cole.

[rejarvis]

Very sad indeed! Mrs. Cole.

[Dina]

I'm so sad to hear this. My thoughts are with Natalie and the Cole family.
Rest in Peace Mrs. Cole.

[sschweiger]

That is, indeed, sad news! Rest In Peace, Mrs. Cole!

[Gregory]

Originally Posted by Nancy

Another dear old friend gone.

Did you know that Maria sang with Count Basie's band and later with Duke Ellington's band?

I didn't know that. I am sad you lost your friend..bit never gets easy

[siouxcillian404]

Her last name was Ellington when she sang with Duke but no relations- Joya Shirrell Kay Davis Maria Ellington with Duke- were all singers with Ellington's band at the same time 1944-Totally unconventional for DE to employ 3 female vocalists as well as Al Hibbler-but whoever said Duke was conventional-my sympathies to the Cole family.