Joyce (Cole) Barger

Joyce Barger, age 84, of Pittsboro, NC, formerly of Sanford passed away, Saturday October 12, 2024 at Cambridge Hills Assisted Living in Pittsboro.

She was born on June 17, 1940 in the Center Church Community of Lee County to the late Herbert Shelley Cole and Annie Ruth Cole.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband of 53 years Sergeant Major Gerald Leo Barger (Ret.) brother, Wayman Cole, and sister Patricia Bellomy. 

Joyce spent her early adult years as a waitress. In 1974 she began working as an Administrative Assistant at the Sanford ABC Board. She spent 34 years there, retiring as Administrator in 2007. Joyce was a lifelong resident of Lee County until 2 years ago, when declining health forced her to relocate to be closer to her daughter.

Joyce never met a stranger. She was known for her hugs, often provided to those she had just met. The biggest joy of her life was her family and friends, especially her twin grandsons.

Joyce is survived by her daughter Robyn Rhyne (Randall) of Pittsboro; 2 grandchildren: Forrest Rhyne (Lauren) of Pittsboro, Blaine Rhyne (Emily) of Clemmons. 5 great-grandchildren: Ryker Rhyne, Shelby Rhyne, Brody Rhyne, Skye Rhyne and Jameson Rhyne, brother Herbert Myrman Cole of Greensboro, as well as many extended family members and lifelong friends.

A graveside service will be held Wednesday, October 16, 2024 at 2:00 PM at Center United Methodist Church Cemetery with Travis Corley presiding.  The family will receive friends in the cemetery following the service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, in memory of her nephew Marcus Cole, or the Susan B. Komen Foundation P.O. Box 801889 Dallas, TX 75380 in memory of her niece Pamela Cole Ridenhour.

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