Helen Cole facts for kids

Helen TeAta Gale Cole (born July 13, 1922 – died April 7, 2004) was an important American politician. She served in the Oklahoma House of Representatives from 1979 to 1984. Later, she became a member of the Oklahoma Senate. Helen Cole returned to the state senate in 1991.

Her son, Tom Cole, has also made history. He is the longest-serving Native American in the United States Congress.

Helen Cole's Early Life and School

Helen TeAta Gale was born in Tishomingo, Oklahoma. Her birthday was July 13, 1922. She grew up in a home with one parent. Helen finished Ardmore High School in 1939.

Helen Cole's Political Career

Helen Cole was very active in her community. She helped with political groups and supported the campaigns of governors Henry Bellmon and Dewey Bartlett. In 1968, she was chosen as a delegate for the 1968 Republican National Convention. Governor Bartlett also appointed her to the Oklahoma Personnel Board.

Helen Cole decided to run for office herself. From 1979 to 1984, she represented district 54 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. In 1984, she won a seat in the Oklahoma Senate for the 45th district.

After a break, Helen Cole returned to politics. In 1990, she became the mayor of Moore, Oklahoma. The next year, she took over her son Tom Cole's state senate seat. She was again a delegate for the 1992 Republican National Convention. Helen Cole left the state senate in 1997. She was a delegate for the 2000 Republican National Convention one more time. In her later years, she supported the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma.

Helen Cole's Family and Heritage

Helen Cole was part of the Chickasaw and Choctaw tribes. She was a member of the Chickasaw Nation.