Oh Lord, You have searched for me and know me. (Psalm 139)
Barbara Ann Smith, a devoted wife, loving mother, and cherished friend, peacefully received her heavenly wings on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at the age of 86. She was born on March 31, 1939, in Charles Town, WV and was the second of two daughters born to the late Christina Doleman Jackson. Barbara lived a full life filled with love for her family, friends, and many others. Most important, she joined her life with an unshakeable husband, William A. Smith, whom she married on September 3, 1960. They were blessed to have spent eight days short of 65 years together. Barbara attended Jefferson County, WV schools, including Charles Town's historic Page Jackson High School.
Until recently, Barbara was an active member of Wainwright Baptist Church. As the saying goes, "she cut her teeth on the pews." Over her lifetime, she served God through many ministries and activities of the Church. She was a Deaconess and Deacon; Missions Ministry leader; Culinary Ministry leader; Willing Workers Committee member; and Senior Choir member. God gave Barbara a vision for the Church's Liturgical Dance Ministry and "Lockout" Youth programs. She was dependable, capable, and willing to use her gifts and abilities for God's glory.
The Godly vision Barbara was most thankful to God for was Wainwright Baptist Church's ministry for providing meals to those in need. In the beginning, the team served meals weekly. After a while and as other organizations and churches in the community joined the effort, Wainwright served once a month. Folks queued for hours in advance to ensure that they received a "Barbara Smith" meal – one that was home cooked and prepared with love. Not once did the Ministry run out of food. When the weather was bad on their day to serve, as well as during COVID, the Ministry ensured there was a meal to be had. The Ministry often gifted "joy bags," especially on holidays, and has stood faithful for more than 10 years. Barbara organized the Catering Ministry to give to other funeral repasts, i.e., green beans, tea, lemonade, paperware, and/or providing physical assistance in helping to serve. Barbara would reach out to assist in some way and in turn, others were always willing to volunteer help to Wainwright. God gifted her to encourage, mentor, and grow the Ministry into a Team for "God's" purpose. The Team stood by her with loving devotion until her passing.
No doubt, the gift of hospitality was Barbara's calling, and it was present in everything she did. She sent cards of encouragement and for special occasions; gift boxes; and meals – just because. (We should mention here that this was a joint project – it was her job to fill the boxes with goodies and prepare the cards, but her husband was in charge of the mailing.) She prepared meals of condolence, for sick and shut-ins and just because she thought of them that day. There are few who did not eat one of her home-cooked meals, cakes, pies or apple dumplings (whether she personally hand delivered it or had it delivered by a family member). Family dinners were a surprise affair – open to anyone
who showed up. She knew no stranger. For the regulars, often they would eat twice on a holiday because she was considered family and a drop by was necessary. For many years her extended family would do Thanksgiving at Wainwright and open the meal up to anyone who came. They would also take meals out to the sick and shut-in or those who had no place to go. Barbara served the community literally and figuratively. A wonderful reward for the use of her gift was the showing of the hearts of others who opened up to support her over and over. Raise your hand now, if you were a part of her giving and receiving network.
Barbara was a member of the Board for the Page Jackson Alumni Association. She co-organized and led the first African American Girl Scout Brownie Troup in Jefferson County, WV which served to integrate them into the organization. She was also the recipient of various awards and recognitions including: the Jefferson County NAACP Outstanding and Dedication Service Award; Page Jackson Alumni Association Alumni of the Year Award and separate Dedicated Service for the Gospel Fest; and the Delta Panhandle Alumnae Chapter EPAC Service Award. Barbara and her husband co-owned and operated Fairway Cleaners for 20-plus years. She was also employed as an administrative assistant at Charles Towers, Charles Town, WV.
In addition to her mother and her beloved Aunt Gussie Baylor, she was preceded in death by her infant son, Lewis Smith and BFF/sister, Morolyn A. Hester. Barbara leaves to cherish her: her four children: Marsha N. Smith, Gaithersburg, MD; William Smith, Jr., Charles Town, WV (aka Dogtown with Black-Black); Renee Doleman (Kevin) and William A.R. "Will" Smith, (all Ranson, WV). She will be lovingly remembered by her seven grandchildren: Amesha Smith, Marques Corbin (Christina), TáShaya Lambert (Chris), Darrod and DonTe Doleman, Tanisha Murray, and Ashlynn Spriggs; five great-grandchildren: Isiah Hollar, Taylin Spriggs, Tanisha Murray, Aria and Zora Corbin; three Godchildren: Jordan Hosby (Jordan), Jasmyn Hosby, and Melanie Jackson; a precious niece, Rohnda Washington (Douglas), Harpers Ferry, WV; a cherished nephew Christopher Baker (Sandra "my niece"), Graille, MD; a great-niece, Latavia James (Paul) and great-great nephew, Christopher Washington, Chesapeake, VA; brother-in-law, Robert A. Smith, Ft. Lauderdale, FL.; three sisters-in-law: Crystal Seagraves, Nashville, TN; Karen Baker, Oakton, VA.; and Denise Taliaferro, Washington D.C.; a very special daughter, Kimberely Hosby, Charles Town, WV; an uncle, Rev. Dr. Donald F. Taylor (Pat), Virginia Beach, VA.; lifetime friends Louise Puller and Carolyn Stewart, and numerous cousins and friends.
Barbara was an extraordinary woman... Fallible, Caring, Giving, Loving, Selfless... We love you and will miss you dearly. Rest Well. Barbara lived the words from Isaiah 6:8...Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us? " And I said, "Here am I. Send me!"

Services will be held on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at 12:00 P.M., at Eackles-Spencer & Norton Funeral Home, 256 Halltown Road, Harpers Ferry, WV, with Reverend Sherman Lambert officiating.

The family will receive friends two hours prior to the funeral service at the funeral home.