Barbara Coleman Obituary

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Barbara Rees Coleman, age 94, of Bono, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on April 11, 2026, with her girls at her side.

Barbara was born on July 11, 1931, in Wilbeth, Arkansas, to Sammie and Ethel (Sandefer) Moore. Barbara graduated from Bono High School at the age of 16 in 1948, beginning a life defined by hard work, devotion, and kindness. She held various jobs in her early years, working in department stores and a doctor’s office, before beginning a career with the Social Security Administration in Jonesboro that spanned 35 years.

Barbara was a longtime member of Bono United Methodist Church and, in later years, was active in Macedonia Baptist Church alongside her husband Leonard Coleman. Her faith was an important part of her life and a quiet source of strength.

She found her greatest joy in her family. She loved cheering on the St. Louis Cardinals, spending time with her beloved dog, Coco, and, most of all, being present for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. If the grandkids were doing something, she was always there; proud, supportive, and their biggest fan.

She will be remembered for her sweet and kind spirit and for the way she made everyone feel like family. Her warmth, love, and gentle presence will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 42 years, T.F. Rees and Leonard Coleman with whom she had a cherished 8 years; her brother, Ralph Murphy; and infant grandchildren, Jared Cline and Chelsea Simmons.

Barbara is survived by her daughters, Sharon (Michael) Cline and Sami (Terry) Simmons; her grandchildren, Jason (Heidi) Cline, Zachary (Amanda) Cline, Elisabeth (Chad) Emerson, Rees (Olivia) Simmons, and Emily (Hunter) Neal; and by her great-grandchildren, Gunner Cline, Kason Cline, Isaac Cline, Elijah Cline, Asher Cline, Oaklynn Emerson, Levi Neal, and Piper Simmons. She leaves behind a legacy of love that will continue through each of them.

Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Jason Cline, Zack Cline, Rees Simmons, Isaac Cline, Kason Cline, Chad Emerson and Hunter Neal. Honorary pallbearers are Elijah Cline, Asher Cline, Gunner Cline, and Levi Neal.

Funeral services will be held Monday, April 13, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Emerson Funeral Home, with Jason Cline, Bro. Terry Simmons, and Dr. Carl Rees officiating. Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of St. Elizabeth’s Place and Dirksen Hospice, especially Stacey, Madelyn, and Macy, for the compassionate care and kindness shown to Barbara and her family during her final days.