
On Thursday, April 24, 2025, at the age of 90, she peacefully entered eternal rest at her home, surrounded by her children and grandchildren. She was one of nine children born to the late Josh and Mattie Coleman of Middlesex County.
Barbara was a member of Antioch Baptist Church, where she accepted Christ at an early age. She received her education at St. Clare Walker High School in Middlesex. In the early years of her career, she worked at Oliver Lewis Restaurant. Barbara was deeply committed to serving her community. She worked at the Lewis B. Puller Center and later managed the Dragon Run Store through Bay Aging. She retired as the manager of the Essex Senior Center, continuing her dedication to community service through her work with Bay Aging.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles “Duce” Cooke Sr.; daughters, Yvonne “Plukie” Orlina and Crystal “Crissy” Daniel; her brothers, Josh, George, and Charles Coleman; her sisters, Annie Wormley, Pauline Greenwood, and Beulah Brokenborough; her granddaughter, Shavon Cooke; and her daughter-in-law, Shelia Cooke.
Barbara was united in marriage to Charles “Duce” Cooke Sr., and together they were blessed with four sons and four daughters. She deeply cherished time spent with her family and found joy in creating beautiful floral arrangements, decorating her home, and planning group trips to the casino. One of her favorite pastimes was relaxing on her porch, where she experienced both joy and peace.
Barbara leaves to cherish her memory, her daughters, Penny Cooke-Freeman (Mark) and Tracy Pryor (Marvin); and her sons, Charles Cooke Jr., Michael Cooke, Frankie Cooke, and Terry Cooke. She is also survived by two sisters, Hannah Darden Lockley of Buffalo, N.Y., and Virginia Hodges of Fredericksburg. Barbara’s legacy continues through her 23 grandchildren, Detasla, Velvet, Michael O., April, Chauntel, Charlette, Charles, Shawnda, Shannon, Ryan, Sheena, Alvin, Adrian, Michael B., Teri, Tiffany, Charlene, Barbara, April, Terry Jr., Tyler, Marvin Jr., and Taylor; along with 43 great-grandchildren; nine great-great-grandchildren; and two step-grandchildren. She also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and a special family friend, Gloria Johnson.
A viewing is planned for 5-7 p.m. Friday, May 2 at J.K. Redmond Funeral Home, located at 3632 Lewis B. Puller Memorial Highway, Shacklefords. The funeral service will take place on Saturday, May 3 at 11 a.m. at Mount Zion Baptist Church in Church View. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.