Barbara Burris Cole

Society Hill, SC – Mrs. Babara Burris Cole, age 86, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Graveside services will be 3:00 PM Saturday, May 24, 2025 at Harris Creek Baptist Church Cemetery officiated by Pastor Cory Byrd and Pastor Mike Saunders. The family will greet friends immediately following the service at the cemetery.

Born on July 5, 1938, in Columbus, OH, Mrs. Cole was the cherished daughter of the late Robert Eugene and Oma Belle Glandon Burris, and she was one of 17 siblings. She was a graduate of Franklin High School in Columbus, OH, and later earned her teaching degree from Covington Theological of Ringold, GA. Her career in education included teaching positions in Boone, NC, and Perry Hall, MD, before she joined Hope International Ministries in Tampa, FL, where her husband served as executive director.

At the young age of 19, Barbara married Dr. Arlie P. Cole, Jr., and together they established their life in Anderson, SC. At the age of 23, she accepted Christ as her Savior at Eureka Baptist Church in Anderson and developed a burden for her husband. Not long after, God answered her prayers when Arlie was born again, and God began shaping both of their lives for full-time ministry.

As a faithful pastor’s wife, Mrs. Cole served alongside Dr. Cole in various churches, including Bethlehem Baptist in Benton, KY, Calvary Baptist in Cheraw, SC, Bible Way Baptist in Boone, NC, and Emmorton Baptist in Bel Air, MD. She was known for being one of the first at the altar after services, leading many ladies to the Lord and being a faithful prayer warrior. Throughout their journey, Mrs. Cole accompanied Dr. Cole on numerous international preaching trips, faithfully supporting the Lord and her husband.

Mrs. Cole’s faithfulness extended beyond her service in the church. She was passionate about worship and always in her place at church. She was also an avid reader, and had an extraordinary love for people, often choosing to bless others with thoughtful gifts in private.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her daughter Kathy Cole Johnson, an infant son James Cole, and 15 siblings. She is survived by her beloved husband of 67 years, Dr. Arlie P. Cole, Jr.; her daughter, Julie (Billy) Sees of Melbourne, FL; her sister, Beverley (Ken) Copely of Culloden, WV; and sister-in-law, Patsy Cole of Melbourne Beach, FL, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Harris Creek Baptist Church, located at 356 Harris Creek Church Road, Society Hill, SC 29593.

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. ~Matthew 6:33

Miller-Rivers-Caulder Funeral Home (www.mrcfuneralhome.com) of Chesterfield, SC is serving the Cole family.