Sandra Faye (Coleman) Barnes

Sandra Faye Coleman Barnes, 79, passed away at home Wednesday, April 1, 2026. She was born in July 1946 to Leslie (Les) and Beulah (Boo) Coleman.  Les was a hard, disciplined man who melted only for Boo, who was as kind and beautiful as she was strong.  Sandra was the middle child between her older (late) brother, Jimmy, and her younger sister, Brenda.  Jimmy would do anything to make you laugh (don’t get us started on panty hose), and Brenda’s enjoyments range from surprise obstacle courses for Mom on horseback to baking incredible treats.  

Sandra met Neal Barnes on a blind date, and it didn’t take long before he was driving from Poquoson to Mechanicsville every weekend to spend time with her.  They married three years later in January 1965 and became practically inseparable ever since.  Whether there was work to be done or play – there wasn’t a single activity that they didn’t tackle side-by-side.  

So, who was Sandra Barnes?  She was a gifted artist who formed her own company.  She took complex concepts and data given to her by scientists and engineers at NASA Langley and created plots and illustrations, bringing the abstract into reality.  She was an incredible athlete, in horseback riding, sailing, tennis, golf, hiking, skiing – she would take on any challenge.  She was competitive and tenacious.  Mom may have let her grandsons win at the card game of War, but she would destroy all on the ping pong table or bocce.  She was an animal rehabber before there were formal local rehabbers.  People would bring the injured or abandoned wild animals to her to heal and release.  She was a port in the storm for anyone in need.  She was a gifted musician in piano, dulcimer, guitar, and banjo.  She was Kindness and Grace personified with a healthy dose of Fire on the side.  Mom was an adventurer and traveler.  She was ready at the drop of a hat to see the world and all of its wonders.  Family road trips, cruises with Neal and the kids, whatever the plan was – she was in!  But there were two things she was the most.  She was the life-long love and partner of my father, and the most incredible and supportive mother and grandmother in the world.  She will be missed forever.

Dad was asked recently what the secret was to such a long and loving marriage.  He replied that he was lucky enough to find that Special One who completed him.  Through good times and hard times, they held on to each other and were each other’s Oasis.  There was no giving up.  No closing off.  They oriented to each other like a sunflower to the sun.  We wish for this gift of true companionship to everyone reading this.

Sandra was preceded in death by her parents, and is survived by her husband, Neal.  They have two children, Janet and Jeffrey (Jenny);  three grandchildren Jackson, Joseph and Jacob; one step-grandson Derek; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Visitation will be held at Claytor Rollins Funeral Home in Poquoson on April 13th from 5:30 to 7:00pm with a remembrance service at the same location on April 14th at 11:00 am.  There will be a brief internment ceremony at Parklawn-Wood Memorial Park in Hampton at 1pm, and an informal decompression get together at her daughter’s house (address to follow) from 2:30pm until “the cows come home”.

Arrangements and heartfelt guidance through Claytor Rollins Funeral Home.

Condolences to claytorrollins.com

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