Ursula Pat Cole, a ‘Woman of Substance’!

My friend, confidant, adviser, and big sister.

As a soldier, you served your country well while taking care of family business.

You were stylish, bright, never minced your words, strong-willed, enjoyed entertaining and partying.

Growing up with you was fun; you cared for us, teased us, played pranks on us, and told jokes to make us laugh. I was so excited when chosen to be your bridesmaid, and I will never forget the time spent with you as a new bride after your wedding.

I remember our days out and nights out with fond memories; dancing, drinking, and chit-chatting about our life experiences and family matters.

In November 2019, you turned up at short notice for a well-deserved break, as you usually do. We had a lot of laughs touring Paris (in France), London, East Sussex and Kent, including our memorable trip to the Canterbury Cathedral. You insisted on seeing the Archbishop of Canterbury without an appointment; I admired your persistence with the receptionist and the laugh we had after that episode.

Sis, I never got to hold your hands or say goodbye; I get you, and I understand. I will miss your giggles, your telling-off, our long telephone conversations and late-night ‘keep compin’.

I will always cherish our time together.

Rest well and feel at peace, dear sister.

My heartfelt sympathy goes to the children n the entire family at home n abroad. Femi as I always call  her  was the cousin to my adopted  mother Eva Koroma  Forster. She was a beautiful soul n very compassionate.  Take ur peaceful rest my dear sister  no more pain  nor sorrow. You will be greatly  missed .  Your  sister from another mom  Theresa Lamboi. 

We were both born at Wilberforce Village, Freetown, Sierra Leone. Started school the same day at Wilberforce Rural Primary. I joined the Sierra Leone army in 1976, she joined in 1978. We were both Training Officers at Benguema Training Centre..training recruits (including the first set of female combatants in 1979). When then Major Hanciles married her, I was Bestman at the wedding.

Ursula was a sister to me. I’ll miss her great. My deepest condolences to the children and the rest of the family. RIP my sister and colleague.

I would like to share a heroic act my sister Ursula did during the invasion of Freetown by the rebels, this is the first time I am sharing this story because of the trauma I experienced in the war. When the rebels entered the military quarters in Hill Station known as OAU village it came as a shock and surprise to everyone. Ursula took in the neighbours children and the family because they were all scared and terrified of the gunshots and bombardment.  She hid them in her en-suite toilet she then stood guard in front of her bedroom in  her nighty armed and ready to defend them whilst I was sent to ask what the rebels wanted. Fortunately they were just hungry and looking for something to eat, they took stuff from the kitchen and left.  Following this incident she calmly changed into her uniform and reported to the military headquarters whilst shelling carried on across the city. She was a very courageous and fearless woman.

Rest in peace sister.