Barbara Cornelius Coleman Isom was born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, to the late Harvey Coleman and the late Bessie Mae Mayfield Gordon. She was lovingly raised by her aunt, the late Corine "Nute" Coleman Bradley.

Known by many names throughout her life—Barbara, Bobbie, Barb, Momma, Grandma, and Auntie Barb—she was most affectionately called "Lil Barb" by her close family and friends.

Mrs. Isom spent most of her life in the Columbia Heights community. She graduated from Atkins High School with the Class of 1959 and later earned a Certificate in Biblical Studies from Piedmont Bible College.

Her career reflected her heart for service and care. She worked as a Head Start teacher, was employed in the furniture industry with Thomasville and Unique Furniture Companies, and served as a nursing assistant in several skilled nursing facilities throughout the area. She also worked with Senior Services and various home care agencies.

Barbara maintained a longstanding association with Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church. Although her years of membership were not all consecutive, she was recognized as the Church Historian because of her extensive knowledge of the church's history and her significant presence within the neighborhood.

During her active years at Morning Star, she faithfully taught Sunday School classes for youth and primary-age children and participated in the Good News Club. Her passion for teaching young people was evident in her dedicated service. She also served in numerous other capacities within the church. Outside of church, Barbara enjoyed bowling in a league, playing softball, and tending to the flowers she lovingly planted in the church planter near the signboard.

She especially cherished planting flowers, sitting on her porch with Jerry, and serving as the unofficial "Community Watch" for Williamson Street and the church. Her warm spirit, watchful presence, and green thumb became treasured parts of the community she loved. She never met a stranger!

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved aunt, Corine "Nute" Coleman Bradley; her sons, Harvey Jackson and Monroe Jackson; and her brother, Allen Coleman.

She leaves to cherish her memory her loving and devoted husband, Jerry Isom; her precious daughter, Janice Gwynn; her son, Junius "Wayne" Jackson; and her bonus daughter, Rozetta Isom of York, South Carolina. She is also survived by her sisters, Beverly Williams, Brenda Parker, Linda Johnson (Michael), Sylvia Gordon (Yancey), all of Detroit, Michigan, and Darlene Miller of Cottageville, South Carolina; her uncle, Sylvester Mayfield (Rolene) of Charlotte, North Carolina; her cherished granddaughters, Shirley Hines, Paris Hines, Doniyah Smith, Dekeita Dobson, Bianca Isom, Tatiana Isom and her grandson, Alterique Bruton; several great-grandchildren; her devoted sister-in-law and cousin, Dorothy Bailey and Roslyn Lentz; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends.

Barbara will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Her wit, laughter, kindness, and beautiful green thumb will forever remain in the hearts of her family, friends, church family, and community.

Public viewing from 1:00 PM until 6:00 PM, Sunday, June 14, 2026 at Clark S. Brown & Sons Funeral Home. Funeral service 12:00 PM, Monday, June 15, 2026 at Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church, 1400 Fitch Street, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27107. Family visitation 11:00 AM. Interment in Piedmont Memorial Gardens.

For a copy of funeral program click here