Barbara Smith

Mrs. Barbara Smith was born in Talladega, Alabama on December 4, 1946 to the parentage of Mr. Thomas Lee Turner and Mrs. Mary Louise Chatman Thomas. She accepted Christ as her personal Savior while attending Peace Missionary Baptist Church. Later in life, Mrs. Smith's unwavering faith led her to serve the Lord diligently at Rushing Springs Missionary Baptist Church for more than five decades. Her dedication to the Lord was evident in her tireless work on the Culinary Committee, where she shared her love through food and fellowship. Education played a significant role in Mrs. Smith's life, as she graduated from Westside Senior High School in 1966 and pursued further studies in cosmetology at Gadsden Vocational Technical Trade School. Her passion for learning and self-improvement defined her character. Soon after completing high school, Mrs. Smith met her soulmate who would change her life forever, Mr. Dave Smith, Jr. The two became one on July 20, 1967 when they were united in Holy Matrimony. Together they shared over 57 years of a blessed marriage and the gift of raising four loving children whom she treasured with all her heart. Through the years, Mrs. Smith found pure joy in spending time with her children and grandchildren, engaging in friendly card games including UNO, spades, and Phase 10, cheering for the Auburn Tigers, and fishing by the banks on warm days. Her love for cooking and traveling brought her immense happiness, and her infectious spirit touched all who had the privilege of knowing her. True to her nature, Mrs. Smith's kindness, lovable nature, and candidness endeared her to many. As we reflect on her life, we remember her as a compassionate soul with a sweet spirit that will forever resonate in our hearts. On Tuesday afternoon, Mrs. Barbara Smith received her wings while in the of Regional Medical Center surrounded by her loved ones. She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas Lee Turner and Mary Louise Thomas, brothers, Thomas Lee Turner, Jr., Thomas Turner, and Roy C. Twymon and brother-in-law, Willie Joe Springer. Mrs. Smith leaves a legacy of love and memories to forever be cherished by her loving and devoted husband of over 57 years, Mr. Dave Smith, Jr.; a brother she raised as her son, Tolton Twymon; two nephews whom she took under her wings as her own sons, James Story and Brandon Twymon; a devoted God daughter, Mignon Stricklin; two grandsons, Braylonn Stricklin and Wyatt Stricklin; bonus son, Vincent Oden, Sr.; bonus grandchildren, Vincent Oden, Jr. and Jordan Oden; one brother, James (Frankie) Williams; sisters, Mary Protho, Lillian Kerley, Mary Catherine (George) McCleskey, and Jacqueline Springer; aunts, Linda Gail Tucker and Mary Ann Chatman; sisters-in-law, Sandra (Walter) Stephens and Bonnie Twymon; brother-in-law, James Henry Smith; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends. Mrs. Barbara Smith's departure from this world leaves a void that cannot be filled, but her enduring spirit will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to have known her. Let us come together to honor her memory, celebrate her legacy, and find comfort in the beautiful life she lived.

Tributes

Barbara Smith

December 4, 1946 - July 23, 2024