Barbara Gilman of Hilton Head Island passed away peacefully on April 17th at the age of 83.

Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, Barbara was the daughter of George and Alice Reed. She graduated from Walnut Hills High School and went on to attend The Ohio State University and the University of Cincinnati, where she later earned a master’s degree. Barb dedicated her career to nursing, first as a labor and delivery nurse and later as a professor of clinical nursing at the University of Cincinnati, where she taught until her retirement in 2007.

One of Barb’s most meaningful contributions was her annual service trips to Honduras with her students through Timmy Global Health. These service-learning trips would allow opportunities for students to engage in both local community health and international health initiatives; and specifically work alongside faculty to provide medical/dental care in underserved communities. Barb inspired her students to lead with empathy, compassion, and purpose.

Even in retirement, service remained at the heart of Barb’s life. She was deeply committed to her community and to helping others, volunteering countless hours at Crossroads Church in Cincinnati. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Barb traveled to New Orleans to assist those in need. She also found joy in traveling, knitting, working on jigsaw puzzles, and bringing people together. Barb was truly an entertainer extraordinaire-her annual Christmas Eve party was a beloved tradition for family and friends and never to be missed.

Barb especially cherished time spent with her children and grandchildren, including summers on Hilton Head Island, where many lasting memories were made.

In 1972 Barb married Don Gilman, and together they raised four children and built a life centered on family, love, and generosity.

Barb is survived by her loving husband, Don Gilman; sister Virginia Hillegas and brother-in-law, Richard Hillegas of Buffalo, New York; son Doug Gilman and daughter-in-law, Annette Gilman of Hilton Head Island, SC and grandchildren Ben, Sam, Reagan and JD; son Donnie Gilman and daughter-in-law, Kelly Gilman of Cincinnati, Ohio and grandchildren David Gilman and Shannon Webster and great granddaughter Emmy Webster: daughter Deborah Dunlap and son-in-law, Roger Dunlap of West Hartford, Connecticut and grandchildren Jake, Nick and Matt; and daughter Danielle Gilman and granddaughter Karah Gilman.

Barb’s life was a testament to the power of compassion in action; her impact will continue to be felt in the countless lives she touched. 

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