Barbara Jean York Cole

Barbara Jean York Cole, 81, of Colonial Heights, VA passed away on Monday, March 3, 2025, with her youngest daughter by her side. Born on February 2, 1944, she was the daughter of the late William Vernon York and Edith Fisher York Hall, and was also preceded in death by her sister, Ruth Rich; her brother, William Jefferson York; her stepsister, Cynthia Hall; and her stepmother, Bessie York.

Barbara loved attending services at Destination Church in Hopewell, VA. She was happily retired from Allied Chemical as a machine operator.

Barbara is survived by her son, Kenneth Hudgins, III; daughter, Tamara "Tammy" Hudgins Swader, and husband, Glenn; son, Robert Carrington "Bobby" Brough; daughter, Kimberly Michelle Coble; stepson, John Lowry Brough, Jr., and wife, Lisa; her sister, Louise Burfoot; and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

She was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend who loved her family deeply and unconditionally. She gave of herself freely, always putting others first without hesitation. No matter the time of day, she was just a phone call away for anyone in need.

Barbara found joy in life’s simple pleasures—shopping, cooking, gathering with family, cheering at ball games, watching the races, and playing card games. These moments brought her happiness, but above all, her greatest joy was the love she shared with those around her.

She faced the cruel battle of dementia with incredible strength, but now, her fight is over, and she has won. She has finished her race, free from the burdens this world placed upon her. What was once taken from her has now been restored in fullness and glory. She is in a place of peace, where she can once again walk, talk, dance, and enjoy the things that illness stole from her.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at the Colonial Heights Chapel of the E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes and Crematory, 2033 Boulevard. Interment will follow in Sunset Memorial Park in Chester, Virginia. The family will receive friends Tuesday evening, March 11, 2025 from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm at the funeral home. Online condolences may be registered at www.ealvinsmall.com