Barbara Jean (Harris) Cole, was born on December 22, 1934 to Rev. Harry and Mary Harris (both deceased), in Lincoln Heights, Ohio. She was the seventh (7th ) child born to the union (all sibling preceded her in death).

She confessed Christ at the early age of ten in 1944, at the Bethlehem Baptist Church, under the leadership of Rev. L. R. Mitchell, located then at 723 Clark Street, Cincinnati, Ohio. She sang in the choir and became the Youth Director of the Progressive District Association.

Also at the age of ten her parents bought her a piano and typewriter for Christmas. That same year, her parents enrolled her in the Cosmopolitan School of Music, the only Black private school at that time, Artie Matthews was the CEO, and Helen Sanders was her teacher for piano lessons. She took lessons from age ten to eighteen. After three years of lessons, she played for her first church, the Rose Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, on 6th Street at that time. Thru out the years she played for several churches. Inspirational Baptist Church was her longest span, where she played for 35 years as Musical Director.

She trained, organized choirs and administered the Music Department under the leadership of the Pastor. Her first job as Minister of Music was with Zion Hope Baptist Church in 1982. She was trained by the Music Team of The College Hill Presbyterian Church.

She graduated from the McCall Business School and was hired by the Department of Human Services on December 6, 1966, she retired in November, 1989, as a Clerical Supervisor, where she too taught typist how to type and manage their work. She later studied Advance Piano and Theory at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. She also taught Suzuki piano for the very young, being the only Black Suzuki piano teacher and her students being the first black Suzuki piano students in the late 1970's and early 80's.

She taught private piano lessons for over 30 years and taught choral music at University of Cincinnati's Upward Bound Summer Program in 1990-91. She was called to the Evangelistic Ministry in 1996.

She married Solomon T. Cole in April, 1954. To this union one son was born, Gregory T. Cole, Sr. (deceased). She later became the grandmother to four, all whom she loved dearly. One grandson, Gregory Jr., who preceded her in death most recently. She leaves to mourn her passing three grandchildren, Mari Cole, one step-grandson; Merrow Cole, and Michael Anthony Hunter; six great-grandchildren, Maurice Thompson, Jr. Marlie, Corie Cole, Merrow Jr., Mariah, and Sonya; two nieces, Gloria Saunders, Donna (Dean) Murkin; six nephews, two that preceded her in death: William Harris, Jr., and Mark Clemons; Kenneth (Michelle); Aerial (Diana) Harris; Steven (Melvena) Harris; and Bobbie Clemons. She also leaves a host relatives, friends, and her church family.

Visitation is from 10:00 am until 11:00 am, on  Monday, February 26, 2024, at the Walker Funeral Home - Walnut Hills Chapel, 2625 Gilbert Avenue, Cincinnati  (45206).   The funeral service will immediately follow the visitation beginning at 11:00 am. Friends and family will gather to share memories, find solace in one another's company, and honor the legacy she leaves behind.

Interment will follow at Spring Grove Cemetery, 4521 Spring Grove Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45232.

To share a memory of   Barbara  or leave a special message for the  Cole  family, please click the "Tribute Wall" tab above and to the right, enter the information, and click "Save Post."

Herbert T. Walker III and Walker Funeral Home  are  honored to serve the Cole  family.  Please call 513.251.6200 or visit www.HerbWalker.com for additional information.