“A Life of Love, Purpose, and Perfectly Timed Eye Rolls...”

Mrs. Barbara Jean Smith, at age 87, passed away on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at Cypress Pointe Memory Care Facility leaving behind a loving family who will forever miss her hugs, her sassiness, and sweet potato pies. She wore her “Bonus Mom Badge” and her “Brothers and Sisters Badge” with pride, proving that family is built on love, not labels.

Barbara Jean was born March 15, 1938 and was reared in Dayton, Ohio by her parents Ollie Hooks and Theodore Christian, both deceased.  She was also preceded in death by her sister Theresa Shackleford, and two daughters Lisa McLemore and Felicia Blue.

Barbara was a faithful member of Mount Carmel Missionary Baptist Church, where she served joyfully with the Sunshine Ministry, welcoming visitors to worship services and visiting members in nursing homes, which she very much enjoyed.

Ms. BJ was blessed with caring congregational friends at Mount Carmel Church who kept her encouraged throughout her illness, along with her brother, 2 sisters, 8 children, 5 stepchildren, 19 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and 11 great-great grandchildren.  She will be deeply missed and loved always.

Barbara Jean had a knack for making everyone feel like they belonged— whether through a warm smile, a playful jab, or a plate of something delicious.  She could silence a room with a look, yet her laughter could fill the house and spill all the way outside.  Her legacy was simple but powerful:  Love without limits, laughter without apology, and a reminder that we are all capable of doing more than we think.  Ms. BJ did not just live life, she squeezed every drop out of it, and she encouraged us to do the same.   We will miss her fiercely, but her love and humor will echo in our lives forever.