Barbara Ann Cole

Barbara Ann Cole, 86, of Albany, GA, passed away peacefully on December 21, 2019 in Ashburn, GA.  The family will have a private memorial service.

Barbara was born October 22, 1933 to the late Frank and Lucille Watson.  In addition to her parents she is also preceded in death by her brother Jimmy, and her husband, of 39 years, Thomas J. Cole.

Barbara graduated from Ohio University in 1955.  While there she was active in her sorority, Alpha Xi Delta, and was a prominent player, glamorous gridder, in their Powder Puff Intermural football team.  It was at Ohio University where she met and married Tom Cole.

While stationed in New Mexico, she taught at a Navajo school.  As her family grew, she became a homemaker but continued to volunteer and work in school libraries.  She was an avid reader and enjoyed playing cards with her grandchildren and her weekly bridge games with friends. 

Survivors include her four children, Jeff (Patty) Cole of St. Simons Island, GA, Scott (Donna) Cole of Bessemer, Alabama, Laura (Fred) Whitfield of Lenox, GA, and Tommy (Cyndi) Cole of Albany, GA, four grandchildren Shawn (Shannon) Cole, Jae Whitfield, Trey Cole, and Emily Cole.

In honor of Barbara and her long battle with Alzheimers, instead of visitation, the family request that everyone visit your own loved ones who you remember, even though they can no longer remember you.

In lieu of flowers please make memorials in memory of Barbara to the Alzheimers Association.

The family would like to send a very special thanks to the staff at Pruitt Healthcare Ashburn.