Barbara Jean Inman

An avid and fearless traveler, Barbara thrived on immersing herself in the cultures of the world, successfully visiting all but three states in the US. Closer to home, she turned her passing for caregiving into a meaningful career as a registered nurse, primarily serving her community through home healthcare.

Upon her retirement, Barbara began a joyful new chapter of life centered entirely around her grandchildren. As a proudly unconventional “Nana”, she was known for her playful sense of humor and her uniquely endearing vocabulary, famously pronouncing words like mirror “Mirra” and au jus as “Ajou”.

Barbara captured her deep love for her family and her passion for words through poetry. In her own words:

During the night I lay beside you and watched you sleep

So small, so innocent

So pure

So sweet

During the date I stand beside you and watch you grow

Knowing the day I’ll be watching you go

You’ll be independent doing it all by yourself

Instead of dolls, books will cover the shelf

And then there’s the day on which you will be wed

And it will no longer be me tucking you into bed.

Barbara was born in Itawamba County, Mississippi, on November 7, 1948, to the late Robert and Naomi (Girssom) hall. Following her graduation from Tremper High School, she married the love of her life, Jim Inman, on December 19, 1967. In a beautiful testament to their unbreakable bond, her loving husband of 58 years, Jim, passed away just 22 days after Barbara, reunited with her once again.

Barbara Jean Inman, 77, of North Port, Florida, passed away peacefully on April 1, 2026. She was a woman of incredible kindness, whose constant smile and radiant love would instantly light up any room. Barbara possessed an unyielding passion for life and an absolute devotion to her family.

She was a beloved wife, mother, Nana, sister, and friend who also loved crafts and creating lasting memories with those she held dear.

Barbara is survived by her children, Lenee Butler and Rusty Inman and her loving son-in-law Randy; her cherished grandchildren, Kate, Connor, Reagan and Brittany; Great grandchildren Gregg, Levi, Cheyenne, Zac, and Sadie; and her loving sisters, Mary, Carolyn, and Margaret.

A joint Celebration of Life for both Barbara and Jim will be held on Saturday November 7, 2026, at 3pm. Services to be held at Robert Toale & Sons Funeral Home at Palms Memorial Park located at 170 Honore Ave Sarasota, FL 34232.