Lillie "Barbara" Coleman-Chilo

Lille Veatter Barnes was born in Gonzales, Texas on October 9, 1952 to Annie Jean Hodges (Lampkin) and Johnny Barnes. The first-born of six (6) girls, Lillie was called “Bobby Jean” in her childhood and soon claimed the name we all come to remember and love: “Barbara.”

Her family moved to Houston where she graduated from Jack P. Yates High School in 1969. Barbara married James Coleman with whom she shared two daughters: Tara and Diandra. Barbara pursued Cosmetology at Franklin Beauty School and in 1983 shortly before becoming a Grandmother, she created “Executive Styles by Barbara.” She spent the next few decades pouring her heart and soul into the art of hairdressing. She served in multiple salons in Houston and Missouri City, most notably as a master stylist at JCPenney Salon while also operating privately. She was known in the beauty community for having “growing hands” because healthy hair and proper technique were at the core of her service. Every cut, every color, every set, and every press and curl… all done with love, diligence, and pure intention.

Barbara later met her partner and soulmate Mr. Robert L. Chilo, Sr., and in 2000, the couple joined in holy matrimony and remained happily married until Robert’s unfortunate passing in 2010. Barbara was a proud wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She was a member of Lilly Grove Baptist Church and after retiring as a beautician, she also served as President of the Cielo Homeowners' Association. Barbara often helped to raise and care for family members in times of need. She offered guidance and support for people in her community. She provided camaraderie and comfort for every client who sat in her chair.

We will remember Barbara’s strength as the elder of her family. We will remember how Barbara didn’t “take no mess” and only expected the best of anything. We will remember her take-charge attitude and the way she approached life with no fear. The way her smile and her full-bellied laugh could fill the darkest, quietest room. The way she prioritized her image. The way she never met a stranger. The way she cared for her mother Annie and husband Robert in their final chapters of life. We honor her life, as she will be truly missed by all who knew her. May her memory be a blessing.

Preceded in death by her late husband, Robert L. Chilo, Sr. (father of Robert L. Chilo, Jr. and Billie Chilo), mother, Annie Jean Lampkin and sister, Patsy K. Miles.

Survived by her children, Tara Coleman (mother of Eronie Coleman, Brandon Coleman, Brittany Coleman and Christopher Coleman) and Diandra Coleman (mother of Ebony Coleman, Favyon Coleman, Marquise Coleman, Joshua Coleman and Darius Coleman), father in marriage, Albert “Bubba” Lee Lampkin; sisters, Corliss Daniels, Earnestine Lampkin, Kimberly Veasey and Linda Nelams; and a host of loving great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, neighbors and friends.

A visitation for Lillie will be held Saturday, November 9, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Paradise Funeral Home Chapel, located at 10401 W. Montgomery Rd. Houston, Texas 77088. The funeral will immediately follow at 11:00 AM. The committal will be held following services from 1:00 PM to 1:15 PM at Paradise Cemetery South, 2237 Cullen Blvd. Pearland Texas 77581.