Barbara Jeanne (Cooper) Coleman

Barbara Jeanne Cooper Coleman

Barbara, formerly of London, OH, passed away Tuesday, May 14, 2019 at Springmeade Health Center, Tipp City, OH, following an extended illness. Born December 30, 1931, she was the daughter of LeRoy Franklin and Lucy Marie (Long) Cooper. She is also predeceased by her husband, Paul Joseph Coleman, whom she married October 15, 1955, and by her son, Rev. Fr. Christopher Cooper Coleman.
A 1949 graduate of London High School, she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Miami University, Oxford, OH in 1953. She also received a Masters of Education from Wittenberg University, Springfield, OH in 1967.
Barbara served as the behind the scenes helper for Coleman Electric, her husband’s side business of sales and service of garage door openers. She also worked for Westinghouse Electric Corp in Columbus for 12 years before beginning her 26-year career as a business teacher at London High School. Chairing the business department for many years, some of her favorite classes were Office Practice and Junior Achievement. However, she enjoyed her students more than anything else.
A longtime member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, she was also very active with Business & Professional Women’s Club and was on the Board of Elections for Madison County for several years. She was passionate about her significant involvement with Miami University on their alumni scholarship review and class reunion committees. Through her personality, candor, and demeanor, Barbara helped define the word “spunk”.
Barbara is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Dr. Paula Maria Coleman Black and Doug Black of Troy, OH, along with granddaughters, LeeAnn Marie Black and Julia Christine Black, nieces, nephews, and several cousins.
Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, May 24, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, London, OH at 11 am. Visitation will begin at 10 am in the St. Patrick Parish Center adjoining the church. Interment will follow at Kirkwood Cemetery, London, OH.
Memorial Contributions can be made to St. Patrick’s Church in London, OH.
The family is being served by Westbrock Funeral Home, Dayton, OH.