Barbara Geel Smith

She was born in Chicago on November 10, 1945, the daughter of Alan James and Ruth Alexander Geel. She is survived by her loving husband, Robert H. Smith of 61 years; her son, Robert H. Smith, Jr.; daughter-in-law, Carmen Hail Smith; and grandson, Tyler Robert Smith. She is preceded in death by her daughter, Kristin Michelle Smith and her parents, Alan and Ruth Geel. She is survived by her brothers, Jon Geel and wife Patricia, and Terrance Geel and wife Patsy.

Barbara grew up as a Navy Junior with her parents and two younger brothers. It was during her father’s assignment to Hawaii that she would meet her future husband Bob. As a young girl, she married Bob and had a wonderful life with her daughter, Kristin and a son Rob.

The Smith’s would eventually settle down after a 27 year career in the US Army in Williamsburg, VA where they have lived for 41 years. Wherever they lived, Barbara became very active in community activities. She belonged to many organizations and social affair groups including: Kingsmill Book Club, Sentara Hospital Auxiliary, Kingsmill Yatch Club, Kingsmill Antique Adventures Club, Red Hat Society, St. George Tucker House of Colonial Williamsburg and Kingsmill Women’s Social Club. She served in leadership positions in most of these organizations.

She was employed at the local Ethan Allen Furniture Store in Williamsburg for over 17 years as the store receptionist. It was here that she made life-long relationships in a social group that called themselves “The Designing Women”. The group has been meeting monthly for over 15 years.

She and her family joined the Williamsburg Presbyterian Church in 1989. She belonged to the women’s Circle 8 devotional group and would be it’s leader for many years. Recently, she was elected as a Deacon in the church to serve the Patriots Colony community. She loved getting to know its church members and checking on their needs.

Barbara will be remembered not only as a leader in the Williamsburg community but more importantly as someone who set the example of how to be a good wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend.

A Celebration of Life will be held on June 6, 2026 at 2:00 PM at the Williamsburg Presbyterian Church with a reception in Stevenson Hall following the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to The Arc of Greater Williamsburg (https://secure.qgiv.com/for/thearcofgreaterwilliamsburg/).