Barbara Sternberger Cone

Barbara Sternberger Cone passed away on Friday, November 21, 2025 at Well-Spring Community. Despite declining health, she maintained her warm, gracious and positive spirit. She will be remembered for her quiet loving-kindness to everyone she encountered.

Barbara was born in Wilmington, NC on July 19, 1928 to Anna Bar and Clarence Sternberger. As a girl, Barbara developed a lifelong love of Wrightsville Beach, where she spent summers with her parents, aunts, and uncles. Upon graduating from New Hanover High School, Barbara entered Woman’s College (now UNC-G). During her sophomore year at WC, at a party hosted by Herman, Sr. and Lolly Cone, Barbara met Herman Cone, Jr. (or Bigsie, as he was known). They were each on a date with someone else that evening; but, soon after, Herman called to ask her out. Barbara declined Herman’s initial invitation because she was studying for an exam the next day. It wasn’t long, however, before she said “yes.” She and Herman married in Wilmington in 1948. Two years later, their first son, Herman Cone III (Trip) was born, followed by Robert Clarence (Bob) in 1952, and then Thomas Edward (Tom) in 1954.

Barbara contributed greatly to her community. She was a welcoming and generous hostess, frequently opening her home for family, friends and fundraisers alike. Her warmth never failed to radiate, whether at backyard picnics, ice-cream socials, holiday meals, or formal affairs. She was the founding President of the Greensboro Symphony Guild, a devoted member of Temple Emanuel and its Sisterhood, and a supporter of UNC-G, Eastern Music Festival, United Way, the Greensboro Opera, North Carolina for Community and Justice (NCCJ) and Community Theater of Greensboro, among many others. In 1996, Barbara and Herman received NCCJ’s highest honor, the Brotherhood/Sisterhood Citation Award, for their efforts to combat bigotry and racism.

The best description of “Baba”, as Barbara was known to her grandchildren, would be “beloved.” She was an exemplary daughter, friend, wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She adored her five grandchildren, doting on them, and encouraging them to always order dessert. (Specifically, chocolate dessert! She felt one could never have enough hot fudge on a sundae!) When her grandchildren had a Bar or Bat Mitzvah, Baba made each a special needlepoint piece of their choosing. She had them over to play after school and for weekend sleepovers. Since she’d only had sons, she couldn’t wait to make smocked dresses and customized dollhouse carpets for her granddaughters. She had lifelong, dear friends and when Herman was ill for many years, she was steadfast in her care for him, spending every day by his side.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, Herman Cone, Jr. and her son, Robert C. Cone. Surviving are her children Thomas E. Cone (Rene) and Herman Cone III (Donna), her daughter-in-law Sally B. Cone; her grandchildren Brad Cone (Joan), Dan Cone (Katie), Sam Cone (Laura), Laurie Cone and Anna Cone; and her five great-grandchildren Max Cone, Milo Cone, Charlie Cone, Ellie Cone and Clark Cone.

Memorials may be made to Temple Emanuel, Community Theater of Greensboro, or a charity of your choice.

A memorial service will be held at Temple Emanuel, located at 713 North Greene Street, Greensboro, North Carolina on Wednesday, November 26, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. with a reception to follow the service in the social hall.