THE funeral of well-known reporter Jo Barber takes place next week.

Attendees are welcome to wear a splash of colour for the celebration of Jo’s life at Cheltenham Crematorium’s Oak Chapel at noon on Wednesday, July 17.

Many of Jo’s former colleagues paid tributes to the much-loved former journalist last week after her sudden death on June 27.

Her close family have spoken of how much they loved and admired the “fearless” reporter who started her career in journalism on the SNJ before working on the Citizen until she retired in 2014.

Step-daughter Charlotte Barber said: “We have lost the most amazing woman, my second mum and Daisy and Cody’s Grandma Jo.

“She inspired me by showing what a dedicated work ethic can get you in life and always said how proud she was of us daughters, she never knew how much that meant to me..

“She worked hard all her life and was just starting to relax to enjoy the grandkids. She leaves a cavernous hole and we all miss her so much.”

Granddaughter Daisy, 10, said: “I will miss Celebrations together and her pineapple upside down cake.” And grandson Cody, seven , said she will miss everything about her.

Daughter Holly Barber said: “I still don’t have the words to describe the hole in my life mum leaves behind her.

“She was a true role model – encouraged me to be strong yet kind, work hard but prioritise family and friends.

“She always told me what I needed to hear which was not always what I wanted to hear! She guided me in life to be what I am today.

“I see how similar we are in hearing and reading all the stories about her and these bring comfort and joy.

“She was equally a doting grandmother to my children and both Amarah and Raffy say they will miss her chocolate biscuit tin and playing at her house with the Playmobil!

“We would love anyone who was equally touched by her to attend her celebration of life on July 17. If anyone ever wants to sit and remember her eventually she will be scattered on the common near her home – what3words ‘floating purified newsreel’. Love you mum.”

Grace Barber, daughter, said there are no amount of words that would justify the love she has for her mum.

“My mum was fearless, and I like to think that she raised us to be fearless too,” she said.

“She was eccentric, colourful, such an incredible intellect, and most importantly she loved us all out loud, every day.

“I am lucky and grateful to have had so much time with her, and I feel that she is still with me everyday.

“I feel enormous gratitude to have been raised and taught about the world by such a one of a kind woman. She is my inspiration for life and joy. Long story short, as she would say, everyone should be a little bit more like Jo Barber.”

Jo will arrive in a Volkswagen van she always wanted to travel around Europe in one.

All are welcome to The Bear at Rodborough from 1.30pm after the ceremony.

Family flowers only please - donations to The British Red Cross in memory of Jo can be made via Michael Gamble Funeral Directors Stroud. Jo is also survived by grandchildren Amarah, six, and Raffy three.