Barbara Smith Jones

Our beloved Barbara Smith Jones, 84, went to her heavenly home on October 5, 2022. She was an extraordinary mother and grandmother, sister, friend, skilled organist, wise teacher, and faithful servant.

Barbara was born to Wyatt and Elizabeth Smith in Charlotte, North Carolina, on January 3, 1938. After graduating from Central High School in Charlotte in 1956, she attended Meredith College in Raleigh, NC, where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in 1960 with a double major in Applied Music and Organ. She obtained her Master’s Degree In Guidance Counseling and Education in 1967 from the University of South Florida.

Barbara’s life was filled with music. Prior to her retirement, she served as the Organist and Choirmaster of Saint Mary’s Episcopal Church in Dade City, Florida, for 33 years. During her time at Saint Mary’s, she encouraged many in Dade City to attend the church and join the choir. Barbara planted seeds of faith and music in the souls of all she met, including her former organ students who continue to play socially and professionally.

Barbara loved to entertain and frequently opened her home on “Tank Hill” for neighborhood gatherings, choir parties, and dinner for her children’s friends. The guest list for holiday meals at Barbara’s house always included those in the community with nowhere else to celebrate. Barbara had a knack for making people feel at home, whether she had known them her entire life or just met them that morning. She had a genuine interest in learning about others and saw the best in everyone.

Barbara moved to Tampa following her retirement and became a member of Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church. She regularly attended Bible Study Fellowship, bringing her grandchildren along for the youth program. Barbara was active in her grandchildren’s lives, including trips to Disney World, the beach, the North Carolina mountains, and hosting ice cream and swim parties at her condominium.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents Wyatt Ernest Smith and Elizabeth Shuford Smith of Charlotte, NC. She will be interred alongside her parents in the Park Road Baptist Church Columbarium Garden in Charlotte, NC, the church they founded in 1950.

Barbara is survived by her brother, Ford Smith of Tryon, NC, her son, Scott Jones of Orlando, and her daughter, Lara Jones Tibbals (Wesley Tibbals) of Tampa. She is also survived by her five grandchildren, Madden and Pryce Jones, and Cannon, Briggs, and Claire Tibbals.

The family would like to thank LifePath Hospice and Melech Hospice House for the excellent care provided to Barbara during the last years of her life.

A Memorial Service is scheduled for 10:00 am on November 5, 2022 at Saint Mary’s Episcopal Church in Dade City, with a reception to follow in the Parish Hall. All are invited to attend and celebrate Barbara’s life. In her memory, donations can be made to the music ministry at Saint Mary’s Episcopal Church in Dade City (www.stmdc.com), Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Tampa (www.saintandrewstampa.org), or LifePath Hospice (www.lifepathhospice.chambershealth.org).