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EURE, NC – Eola Virginia Hoffler Costen, beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on January 9, 2024, in Eure, North Carolina, at the age of 93.

Eola, affectionately known as “Smiley,” was born on March 28, 1930 in Sunbury to the late Mike K. Hoffler and Olar “Taylor” Hoffler.

She worked the lunch counter at F. W. Woolworth in Portsmouth, VA and later in Jamaica, New York. She eventually became a Keypunch Operator. However, it was her passion for beauty culture that led her to become a licensed Beautician. Eola opened her own salon, “Cinderellas,” where she served her loyal clientele for over 30 years until her retirement at the age of 65.

Eola was a dedicated member of New Piney Grove Baptist Church and later Calvary Baptist Church and New Jerusalem Baptist Church. She was known for her beautiful singing voice and active participation in the church choir.

In her free time, Eola enjoyed sewing, knitting, and crocheting, as well as watching a variety of sports, with baseball being her favorite.

She cherished family gatherings, cooking for loved ones, and playing Bid Whist with her siblings and children.

Eola is survived by her sixchildren: Mayvonnie V. Anderson, Michael R. Costen, Joandell S. Blake, Robert E. Costen, Vanessa R. Hicks, and Pamela A. Timberlake, along with numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert W. Costen, and several siblings.

A funeral service to honor and celebrate Eola’s life was held at New Piney Grove Baptist Church, located at 598 Medical Center Road, Gates, NC 27938.

The Dennis J. Stallings Funeral Home in Gatesville, NC, assisted the family with the funeral arrangements.

Eola’s kindness, generosity, and love will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. May she rest in peace.