Barbara Gay Coleman Eller, 84, passed away April 30, 2020, at her home in Canton, Ga., with her husband of 61 years and their three adult children in attendance.
Barbara was born on Sept. 18, 1935, in Melrose, Mass., to Philip and Elinor (Gay) Coleman. She received her Bachelor of Arts from Goucher College in 1957, and her Master of Business Administration from West Virginia University in 1983. Barbara worked as a substitute teacher and then as a realtor later in life. She was a devoted mother and wife. Throughout her life, Barbara contributed considerable time and energy to various civic, medical, and church organizations. Barbara volunteered extensively with hospitals in her local communities. While chair of the Women’s Board at Truesdale Hospital, Barbara was instrumental in developing a pediatric floor and adding beds to the Intensive Care Unit. She was a member of Rotary, Daughters of the American Revolution, Junior League of Fall River MA, Women’s Board of Truesdale in Massachusetts, Women’s Group of J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital in West Virginia and a Goodwill Ambassador during WVU football games. Barbara was a lay leader in every church that she attended. She and her husband enjoyed sailing trips with friends, playing bridge and traveling abroad.
Barbara is survived by her husband, Richard; their children, Linda, Jennifer (Francis) McRory and Warren (Elena); their grandchildren, Daniel McRory, Andrew McRory, Evelyn (Kyle) McReynolds and Jillian Eller; and her brothers, Bruce (Pamela) Coleman, and Philip (Dianne) Coleman. She was preceded in death by her father, Philip Coleman; her mother, Elinor Coleman; and her sister, Carol Vail.
Funeral services will be held in Canton, Ga., at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 6, officiated by the Rev. Pamela Shier. Please email Barbara.C.Eller@comcast.net to obtain a virtual link to attend remotely. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Rotary International (https://my.rotary.org/en/donate).
