Barbara Roberson Cole

Barbara Roberson Shelton Cole, of 202 Salisbury Circle Danville, VA died Monday, April 8, 2013 at Danville Regional Medical Center after a brief decline in health. Born in Danville, VA on December 5, 1931, a daughter of the late Elmer L. Roberson and India Thomas Roberson. Mrs. Cole spent most of her life in Danville, VA where she was a graduate of Schoolfield High School class of 1949. Barbara retired from Dan River Inc. after 34 years of service, where she was last employed as an Administrative Assistant on the Corporate Staff. She was a member of Mosley Memorial United Methodist Church. On March 39, 1950, she married Frank C. Shelton, Jr. who died on July 1, 1993, on November 11, 1995 Barbara married, James A. Cole, who died on September 7, 2005. Barbara had many friends, including the Mosley Memorial United Methodist Church family, the John W. Daniel Retirees Group, Judy Moseley’s Art Class, the Starwood Garden Club, the Schoolfield High School Friends Club, and many others. She was a past member of the City Beautiful Committee, the Danville Council of Garden Clubs, and the American Legion Auxiliary. She was a Master Gardner. Barbara also loved entertaining her family and friends, she enjoyed her patio garden, oil painting, reading and traveling. Survivors include a daughter, Bev S. Wilkerson, and husband, Wayne; a brother, Charles “Buddy” Roberson, and wife, Virginia; a sister-in-law, Jean Roberson, her devoted companion, fiancé, care-giver and friend, Len Howerton, all of Danville, VA four grandchildren, Jon Wilkerson, and wife, Courtney, of Danville, VA; Lori Jones, and husband, Gil, of Ringgold, VA; Brenna Wilkerson, of Danville, VA; and Brandon Wilkerson, of Fairfax, VA; three great-grandchildren, “Trace” Jones, Liam Jones, and Baylee Wilkerson. She also leaves fourteen nieces and nephews. In addition to her husbands, she was predeceased by five sisters, Carsie Roberson, Cassie Malden, Deanie Batchelor, Elsie Salmon, and Edna Hudgins, and a brother, L. D. Roberson. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, April 11, 2013 at 11:00 A.M. from the Wrenn-Yeatts Westover Chapel conducted by the Rev. Tim Earnhardt. Interment will follow in Danville Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at Barbara’s residence. The family suggests in lieu of flowers memorial donations be made to a charity of your choice.

Barbara Roberson Cole

December 5, 1931 - April 8, 2013