Barbara Jean Coleman

Barbara Jean Graves Coleman was born on August 15, 1934, to the late Joseph W. Graves and Ella C. Graves in Indianapolis, Indiana. She was the fifth child of six. A Wife, Mother, Sister, Granny, Teacher, Mentor, Intercessor, Data Entry Specialist, Creative Nurturer, Giver of Unconditional Love.

Barbara, united in holy matrimony on November 29, 1954 to William Coleman, Jr. (Bill). To their union came 5 children. To her, they were her FAB 5, Rev. SheAh Prince Eternal (Deborra), Deidra Jeannette Coleman, Daphne Elaine Haralson, William Patrick Coleman and Douglas Keith Coleman.

Barbara attended Indianapolis Public School #87 and graduated from Crispus Attucks High School. She attended IUPUI for 3 semesters. She always sought out new information and new skills, such as staying current with technology with help from her grandchildren.

Barbara professed her faith in Christ and was baptized at an early age at First Baptist Church Indianapolis. By the year 1953, she joined 25th Street Baptist Church. She served as a Sunday school teacher, and the beloved director of the youth department. She transported youth back and forth in her yellow Volkswagen bus for many years, packed to capacity, by the grace of God. Director/Asst. Dir. of Vacation Bible School with the help of lifelong friend, Ozella Boyd. In later years she joined Emmanuel House of Prayer where she worked in many capacities. She remained a faithful and committed member until her health started failing her.

Barbara was an entrepreneur, owning Successful Living, a company that provided educational materials and tools for Sunday School Classes and Vacation Bible Schools to churches throughout Indianapolis.

Barbara worked and retired from (DFAS) Finance Center after 40 years. She worked for 5 years at RCA. She also tutored youth at school #60. She was a Foster Grandparent Volunteer with Community Action of Greater Indianapolis (CAGI) volunteering at school #14 from (October 2007 until November 2010) and went on to become a member of CAGI’s Executive Board from (November 2010 until January 2014. Her passion was the children and community she served. She worked to aid young mothers at the Crisis Pregnancy Center. She won numerous awards and shared the honor of Remarkable Woman of the Year with Mildred Baker in 2008.

After a 10-year battle with Alzheimer’s, God called our beloved home on November 14, 2024. She leaves to cherish her memory, husband, Rev. William Coleman, Jr.; children: Rev. SheAh Prince Eternal Deborra (Helen Koko), Deidra Coleman, Daphne Haralson, William Patrick Coleman (Dennis) and Douglas Keith Coleman (Jennifer); grandchildren (oldest to youngest): LaJeanna T. Lee, Micah Lael (Opie), Damian Lee, Vanya M. Lee (Deceased Angel), Miracle S. Lee-Jones (Vernon Servoin), Ra-Im Coleman (Jessica), Darryl Hardy, India Gray, Sierra Gray (CeCe), Roniah Bryant (Tony), Andrea Coleman, Rezon Coleman, Rachel Coleman, Jazlynn Stone, David Michael Coleman (Deceased Angel), Nasiyah Coleman and Israel Coleman; great- grandchildren: Kaleb Green, Shayla Coleman (Indigo), VeSean McNeal, Jacob Bryant, Izaak Coleman, Yasmeen Coleman, Erie Bryant, Aiden Bryant, Brian Wilson, Sphynx Lael, AJ Bryant, Ariana Wilson, Cameron Coleman, Allen Bryant, Journie Coleman and Onyx Lee-Jones; great-great-grandchildren: Harmoni Brad, Hakeem Brabson and Legend McNeal; sister, Sharron K. Wright of Los Angeles, CA. Mommy wants to thank you for being our West Coast Anchor, Ella’s Baby. Many beloved nieces, nephews, bonus children, and a host of loving relatives and friends.