Celebrating the life of Barbara Ann Wilson-Coleman who went home to be with the Lord on August 11, 2026. She was born on September 5, 1941, to the late John and Amanda Manley in Louisville, Alabama.

She graduated from South High School in 1958 and married the late Edward L. Wilson (LTC Retired Army) and had three children. During her journey as a military spouse, she served as a federal employee and in various locations. She retired after 31 years culminating as an Equal Opportunity Specialist and training consultant at the U.S Department of Veterans Affairs in Brecksville, OH. On many occasions, she was sought by the EEOC to assist with various highly sensitive and demanding cases that required her expertise which continued 2 years after her retirement.

She grew up attending Providence Baptist Church where she loved to sing in the choir. After her divorce, she moved back to Akron and joined Mount Zion Baptist church with her parents and other family members. She married Andrew Coleman 1989 and joined United Baptist Church where she served on various committees i.e. establishing the church library, Pastor’s aide, and Repass Committee. Just recently, Barbara joined Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church in Fayetteville, NC with her daughter.

She embraced life with energy and enthusiasm. She enjoyed roller skating with her siblings/family, half-court ladies’ basketball, dancing, coaching little-league baseball, den mother for the Girl Scouts/Cub Scouts/Brownies, drawing, reading, and traveling with her family. She often reminisced while watching the Smithsonian Channel of all the places she explored. Her journeys carried her around the world and overseas which include the following places which were Germany, Austria, Paris, Canada, Hawaii, Guam, Saipan Island, Cancun and Cozumel Mexico, Alaska, France (Florence, Pisa, Nice, Monaco), Spain (Barcelona), Italy (Pompeii & Naples), Bermuda, St. Thomas, Trinidad, and Tobago. There were few dull moments in her life!

She was preceded by Andrew Coleman (husband), John and Amanda Manley (parents), brothers Willie Manley and Reginald Manley, sisters Christine Esters, Margaret Townsend, Roxanne Davis.

Left to cherish her amazing memories are daughter Victoria (Eugene)Bowens, son Curtis (Deborah) Wilson, daughter Sharon Wilson, sister Scharlene (Lowell) Hawthorne, grandchildren Eugene (Tiana) Bowens III, Curtis Wilson, Elijah, granddaughter Taylor Wilson, great grandchildren Alaiyah and Jayden Bowens, many cousins, Nieces, Nephews, Great-nieces and Great-nephews, and close friends.