Obituary published on Legacy.com by Small’s Mortuary - Mobile on Feb. 4, 2026.
Barbara Ann Coleman Sharp, a lifelong resident of
Mobile, Alabama, was born on December 20, 1955, to the blessed union of Cornelius and Milee Coleman Sr. On February 2, 2026, at the age of 70, Barbara answered the Master's call and transitioned peacefully into eternal rest, surrounded by her two sons and her daughter in love. Her passing marked the close of a life defined by faith, intellect, service, and unwavering love.
Barbara was a remarkably gifted and educated woman whose brilliance was matched only by her compassion. She was educated in the Mobile County Public School System and proudly graduated from Toulminville High School, Class of 1974. Driven by a passion for learning and a desire to uplift others, she continued her studies at Alabama State University, earning her Bachelor's Degree. She later achieved a Master's Degree in Education from Spring Hill College, further equipping herself for a life devoted to service.
For more than 30 years, Barbara served faithfully in the Mobile County Public School System as an educator at John Will Elementary School. She was known for her sharp mind, her patience, and her extraordinary ability to connect with children. Her classroom was a place of encouragement, structure, and love. Through her dedication, she shaped countless young lives and left an indelible mark on generations of students. Her career was not simply a profession-it was a ministry.
Barbara's life was anchored in her deep and abiding faith. A devoted servant of the Lord, she was a faithful and active member of Delaware Street Missionary Baptist Church. She served diligently as Church Clerk, on the Usher Board, and on the Trustee Board. Whether through her leadership, her quiet acts of kindness, or her steadfast presence, Barbara lived out her faith with humility, grace, and a servant's heart. She loved her church, and she loved the God she served.
Barbara was also a devoted caregiver, lovingly tending to her parents with honor, patience, and unwavering commitment. Caring for them was one of the greatest expressions of her love, and she fulfilled that role with the same grace and dedication that defined every part of her life.
Beyond her service to others, Barbara embraced life with joy and curiosity. She loved traveling and exploring new places, finding peace and inspiration in the journey. She cherished spending time with her family and friends-laughing, sharing stories, and creating memories that will be treasured for generations. Barbara found delight in reading, walking, going out to dinner, and shopping. Whether she was enjoying a quiet stroll, discovering a new book, or treating herself to a well deserved outing, she approached life with gratitude and warmth.
Barbara was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Cornelius and Milee Coleman Sr.; her husband, Jesse Sharp; her son, Byron Sharp Sr.; and her brothers, Richard Coleman and Don Coleman.
She leaves to cherish her memory two devoted sons and daughter in love: Marcus Coleman of Victoria, Texas; Antonio (Kymesha) Coleman of Houston, Texas; and daughter in law Nina Sharp of Wylie, Texas. She was the proud grandmother of eight beautiful grandchildren-Caleb Tindall, Marcus Coleman Jr., Andre "Dre" Coleman, Andrew "Drew" Coleman, Byron "BJ" Sharp Jr., Beau Sharp, London Sharp, and Nylah Rose Coleman-each of whom brought her immeasurable joy and pride.
Barbara is also survived by her devoted sister, Annie (Garfield) Bright of Fayetteville, GA; five brothers, Cornelius (Emily) Coleman Jr., Alphonse Coleman Sr., Clifford Coleman, Ronnie (Janet) Coleman, and Melvin Coleman; and one adopted brother, Clarence Batain, all of
Mobile, Alabama. She is further survived by her sisters in law, Sharon Bettis and Betty Ruth Law; her brother in law, Melvin Sharp; her devoted fiancé, James Gardner; and faithful friends-Iris Richardson, Shirley Mitchell, Gloria Edwards, and Willie Lee Wilson-along with a loving host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, church family, and friends.
Barbara will be remembered as a woman of strength, wisdom, and extraordinary kindness. She was a devoted mother, a loving grandmother, a loyal sister, a trusted friend, and a servant of God. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched, the students she nurtured, the family she adored, and the faith she embodied so beautifully.
Her life was a testimony of service. Her memory will forever be a blessing.