Barbara J. Smith

A Time to Be Born: On May 26, 1939 John and Emma Smith celebrated the birth of twin girls. Barbara Jean Smith was the youngest of the set. Barbara grew up in Birmingham, AL and was the 5th child of 7 siblings. She graduated from Ullma High School in 1957. She obtained an Associate Degree in Nursing and later pursued a successful career as a Licensed Practitioner Nurse at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, GA. She later retired in 1996 and continued to work part-time as a Charge Nurse at Christian City Nursing Home in Fairburn, GA until 2003. Barbara grew up in a loving Christian family where she dedicated her life to Christ at St. Stephen A.M.E. Church in Birmingham, AL. Later she moved to Atlanta, GA and attended Allen Temple A.M.E. Church and Trinity Chapel Church where she was a faithful member of the choir. In 2007 she joined Gospel Nation Christian Fellowship. A Time to Love: In 1959 she was united in holy matrimony to Walter L. Smith. To this union two sons; John and Andre were born. A Time to Play and Travel: Barbara endured many adventures with John. Hawaii was where she witnessed the birth of her first grandchild (Nicole). Egypt/Jerusalem where she had a spiritual experience at the Dead Sea, she walked where Jesus walked…she visited the tomb where Jesus laid. She went to the Wailing Wall where her soul rejoiced and felt the presence of the Lord. She journeyed onto Korea where she experienced how to shop until she dropped; unlike the neighborhood thrift stores, QVC, and Fingerhut. The “Colonel” John had to make her stop, since the port fees would be more than what she bought. She decided to stop traveling abroad, since she would be stopped by every airport security due to her name being so common. Barbara did continue to travel to various other states wherever her son John would be stationed. Barbara was also a seamstress at heart you could see her creations throughout her home. The drapes that adorned her window panes, and the upholstered chairs at her dining room table, and the beautiful clothes she wore. She was very crafty and loved ceramics. If you ever visited her home you have seen her crafty ceramic kittens in every nook and cranny. A Time to Rest: Barbara was at her home away from home in the care of her loving son Andre. While caring for his mother in her time of need he gave portions of love, and shots of encouragements. So abreast to her nightly cries, he constantly sleep walked to her every need. The caregivers were so amazed with his overwhelming love for his mother they name him Dr. Andre and gave him an honorary PhD of endless love for his mother-dear. On July 27, 2011 in Tallahassee, FL she heard a love cry from God she looked up saw the light and answered! A loving mother, a fun grandmother, a devoted sister, a sweet – trust worthy aunt, and a compassionate friend, “Bae-Bae” is now at peace!!!! Barbara Jean was preceded in death by her father, John Oliver Smith, Sr.; mother, Emma Kate Smith; two brothers John Oliver Smith, Jr. and Gilbert Smith.

Barbara Jean memories will be forever cherished and remembered by her loving devoted sons, Col. John L. Smith and daughter-in-law Teresa Smith; Andre Smith and daughter-in-law Lisa Smith; 4 loving sisters, Emma Kate Robinson, Carol Jean McCrae (her twin), Vivian Smith, Marilyn S. Baity and brother-in-law Larry Baity; 4 grandchildren, Theresa Nicole Smith, Jonathan Keith Smith, Edward Andre Smith, and Andrae’ Smith; 1 great-grand, Kaliyah Samone’ Smith-Barnes; a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and special friends.

Arrangements under the direction of Carmichael-Hemperley Funeral Home, Peachtree City, GA.