Barbara June Byrd Cole

barbara june cole

January 21, 1931 ~ January 13, 2022

Born in: Buncombe County, NC
Resided in: Candler, NC

Barbara June Byrd Cole of Candler/Asheville, NC died January 13, 2022, a few days before her 91st birthday. She had been in declining health for several years. She was the ex-wife of Asheville dentist Dr. Hugh Cole, who died earlier this year. Their son Stephen died in 2006 at age 47.

Barbara is survived by her daughter, Jennifer Cole Messick and grandchildren, Alvin David Shultz, Sonja Shultz Martin, Andre Leon Shultz, and Lindsey Cole Briggs. Also surviving her are six great-grandchildren: Alvin’s daughters, Sophia and Alexandria; Sonja’s daughters, Kristen and Sydney: and Lindsey’s sons, Jamison and Coen.

Barbara was born in Asheville, NC January 21, 1931, the only child of Dossie Beaver Byrd and Alvin Byrd, whose ancestors were early settlers in the Rutherfordton area of western NC, having immigrated from England in the 1700s. Barbara was a graduate of Sand Hill High School in Candler, NC. She attended Rollins College then earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Drama from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and a Master’s Degree in Media/Library Science from Western Carolina University. She completed training in Early Childhood Education at the Presbyterian School of Christian Education in Richmond, VA. Barbara used her education and many talents for a variety of occupations, in most years as a teacher/Director of kindergartens. But in her early years, she was a puppeteer in the “Little Jack Puppet Show” (traveling performances teaching good dental hygiene to NC elementary school classes) and as a performer in the outdoor NC drama “Unto these Hills.” For a while, Barbara was the Librarian/Media Specialist at Thomas Jefferson Elementary School in Jacksonville, FL.

Barbara’s deep interest in other cultures led to her extensive travel in Mexico, the Virgin Islands, Morocco, and various countries in Europe and Asia. She was an avid reader, including daily Bible reading and was a fan of the author Thomas Wolfe. Her favorite musician was Elvis Presley. Her favorite TV program was the 6:00 p.m. news.

Barbara was a member of Acton United Methodist Church, where her memorial service will be held on Tuesday, January 18th at 3:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made in Barbara Cole’s name to Acton United Methodist Church, 171 Sand Hill School Rd., Asheville NC 28806.

Services

Memorial Service: January 18, 2022 3:00 pm

Acton United Methodist Church
171 Sand Hill School Rd.
Asheville, NC 28806


Funeral Home Assisting The Family:

Groce Funeral Home - Patton Ave.
1401 Patton Ave.
Asheville, NC 28806

(828)252-3535
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com

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  1. Prayers for Andre and his family, I had heard many stories in the last few years that I know will be with the family during this time.

  2. Dear Jenny and family,
    So saddened of your Mom’s passing. She was very dear and was like a 2nd Mom to me. I have great memories of stories and conversations we had. She’s no longer in pain. Rest In Peace Barbara. Love you always, Melanie Thompson

  3. Jenny,
    I am so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing…..
    She sounds like quite a well rounded woman…
    I wish I had known her!
    I am keeping you in my prayers in the difficult days ahead…


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