Barbara French Bolden

Barbara French Bolden of Eden died Friday, Jan. 15, following a brief illness. She was preceded in death by her parents Reuben R. French, Sr., and Beatrice Cobb French. She is survived by her husband and high school sweetheart of 57 years, Jim, and daughter Kristi of Eden; son Ronnie (Angela) of Lexington, NC; brothers Rick French (Donna) of Woodstock, GA; Don French of Henderson, NC; and David French (Robb) of Litchfield, SC. Barbara was born Nov. 24, 1942 as the first child and only daughter, and her brothers would say she played that position to her advantage her entire life! She was known and admired for her warm, welcoming personality, her love of games, and was always impeccably dressed. A lifelong lover of books and reading, she accelerated her studies and graduated within three years from Appalachian State University with a degree in library science in 1963. Following a few years as school librarians in Jamestown and Wentworth, NC, she joined her mentor Martha Davis at the Rockingham County Library system, from which she retired as technical services librarian. While working full-time and rearing two children with Jim, Barbara pursued and attained a master’s degree in library science from UNC Greensboro. She is also survived by several dearly loved grandchildren: Brianna Corum of Needles, CA; Benjamin Browning (Cassidy) of Lexington, NC; Felicia Browning and Sebastian Browning of Lexington, NC, Harley Bolden of Eden, NC, and Connor Bolden of Lexington, NC; three great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews. A private gathering was held for the immediate family at Wilkerson Funeral Home in Reidsville, NC. A celebration of her life is planned for 4:00 PM Tuesday, January 19th at her residence, 1635 Quesinberry Road, Eden. The family requests that memorials be made to Ruffin Stacey Baptist Church, where she was a longtime member, 261 Estes Road, Ruffin, NC 27326.