Barbara Smith

Barbara Marcum Smith, age 78, of Mount Olive, passed away peacefully at home in the early morning hours of August 20, 2013. She was preceded in death by her husband, John Samuel Smith, and her parents, Melvin and Geneva Marcum. She is survived by her son, James Michael Smith, his faithful and devoted wife, Tas, and their three children – Emily Ann, Sam and Abby. She is also survived by her very special niece, Mary Ann McGowan. She was a lifelong member of Beechwood Baptist Church. Mrs. “B,” as she was often called, was a long-time fixture in the Birmingham legal community, serving for nearly fifty years as legal secretary to William J. McDaniel. She continued long after her retirement to tell remarkably entertaining stories from the many years she was employed by the McDaniel Hall law firm. A member for thirty-one years of the Birmingham Legal Secretaries Association, she served that organization in many capacities including President. Her commitment to professionalism for lawyers and legal secretaries continues to this day expressing itself through those who worked with her and learned from her. In her last few months, she was blessed by the precious caregiving of Pat, Frances, Brenda, Linda, Bobbie, Lisa, Kim and Violet. These ladies gave her friendship and unfettered loyalty. Fiercely independent, wise and opinionated, she offered humor, advice and pearls of insight until her last days. The family will receive visitors at Ridout’s Gardendale Chapel on Thursday, August 22, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. A graveside service will be held at Oakwood Memorial Gardens in Gardendale on Friday, August 23, at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in her name to the BLSA Educational Fund c/o Deborah P. Holmes, PP, PLS, Duke Law Firm, P.C., 1572 Montgomery Highway, Suite 205, Birmingham, Alabama 35216.