Mrs. Barbara Louise Coleman, 60, of Elkhart, peacefully passed on from this life into the next on Sunday, April 2, 2023, at 2:07 pm in the comfort of her own home with her family at her side. She had been in ill health for some time. She was born in Frankfort, Kentucky on April 17, 1962, to the late Brenda Louise (Duff) Hilson and is survived by her beloved stepfather Jack Hilson, who raised Barbara as his own. Jack was the only father Barbara ever knew, and she held the highest respect and esteem for this wonderful gentleman for taking on the responsibility of being a father who was present with his family. The sacrifices that he made on her behalf made her feel included and relevant as part of the family.  Additionally, she is survived by her sweetheart and husband Tony Dwayne Coleman, who resides at home. Tony has remained faithfully at Barbara's side since marrying her on September 22, 2007.

Barbara is also survived by her loving sons Jeremy Lee Watson, Shawn Elliott (Amanda) Watson and Juvens Coleman. She felt a deep love and connection with her sons and felt especially blessed to have such fine young men who were always gracious enough to embellish their mother with so much love and worthwhile attention. She is survived by 12 beautiful grandchildren, who were always prepared to steal nana's heart whenever they got together. She is survived by her dear siblings Michael (Yadira),Toni Lee, Julius, Jacqueline and Elizabeth Hilson and Ruby Duff, and she professes to be eternally grateful for all help, love and support afforded to her by he family during her illness. Finally, she is survived by a loving host of nieces and nephews, who always remained ever close in Auntie's heart, a large group of wonderfully loving extended family, and a complicated network of friends, acquaintances and work and office pals who have all come forward during Barb's illness to bring her joy, love and comfort. A special thanks also goes out to James and Janet Mellott for their selfless generosity afforded to Barbara's family during this time.

One group especially dedicated to Barb's health was her workmates down at the Elkhart County Prosecutor's Office where Barb worked as a domestic abuse and sexual assault advocate for the Elkhart Women's Shelter and the Prosecutor's office. Prosecutor Vicki Becker, Carrie Andrews, Lindsey Mefzarof, Krista Hennings and Dave and Sue Geyer, as well as all of the staff at the office constantly stayed busy looking after Barb, bringing her meals and running errands for her whenever they could. They were her "support team!"

Finally, she appreciated the dedicated work of Mary Monnin, Barb's supportive health advocate, who looked after Barb and assisted her with important information and advice. All in all, there were many kind people who came together to help out a friend journey through a medical nightmare, and Barbara will always be eternally grateful of those who took a moment to care.

Billings Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Elkhart are hosting Barb's homegoing services beginning with a gathering of friends and family on Friday, April 14, 2023 from 4-6 pm, followed by a Celebration of Life service starting at 6 pm. In accordance with Barbara's wishes, cremation has taken place and she will then be reunited with her family.

Aside from her responsibilities with the Prosecutor's office, Barbara was a sweet and beautifully sensitive soul who enjoyed the company and society of others. If Barb, could help one person, her life would be complete, but who wants to stop at helping just one? Her love and compassion for others throughout the years only served to come back to her full force when she needed the help as well.

Barbara was the quintessential social butterfly. She loved people, and especially loved to make folks laugh. She loved to play practical jokes, she loved to pull you up out of your bad mood, she loved the be the force of good that was able to envelop the lives of so many lost souls. Her smile brightened up just about everything and her good mood was as contagious as chicken pox.

Barb will always cherish the life and memories given to her by her Lord. But mostly, she leaves to meet her Maker with a happy heart and her head lifted high, as she passed over to the next realm with the knowledge that her Savior will say to her, "Well done, my good and faithful servant."

Friends and family wishing to make a donation in Barb's memory may do so by donating to the family. Additionally, please be sure to thoroughly browse Barb's obit page, as you are able to leave condolences and memories, post photographs on her memory wall, and order other funerary items in regard to the family.

To the Family