Barbara Smith

Barbara was born in Carlisle, KY in Nicholas County December 20, 1929. When she was 5 her family moved to Robertson County, KY. In 1935 all, except her Daddy, got scarlet fever, which affected her hearing in her later years. Lida Thomas Hughes, her 8 year old sister died from scarlet fever. After Lida died her family moved back to Nicholas County. She started 1st grade at Ellsville school where she memorized the 23rd Psalm from the Bible. In the spring of 1937 she moved back to Robertson County to Foster Chapel Community in Mt. Olivet. Her Daddy later bought a 115 acre farm in Robertson County for $30,000. Barbara finished her 8th grade year in at Riggs 1 room school. She and her sister, Sue, had to walk to school at Riggs. Transportation was provided in her high school years. She joined the 4-H club in high school. She attended and joined Foster Chapel Methodist Church when she was 10. In 1944 she started high school at Demarey high school. In 1945 she moved to Mason County, KY, Fern Leaf community near Germantown, KY, where she went to school at Minerva from 1945-48, graduated with 16 in her class. After graduating high school she worked for 1 year at Dunham Hospital to save money to attend college. She was the 1st in her family to go to college. “I felt God leading me to Asbury. I was seeking God’s will for my life.” She worked in the summers to continue paying her tuition for Asbury. “I came out debt free though!”

Barbara went on to attend Asbury College where in 1950, her freshman year, she experienced a revival that lasted from February 23rd to March 1 in the Hughes Chapel. Her memories of this surge in the praising of God are the following:

1) A strong presence of the Holy Spirit 2) Quiet singing 3) people confessing, giving testimonies and praising God 4) a lot praying at the alter 5) people wanting/seeking God’s will 5) Holy Spirit led many to mission work.

‘My commitment to God deepened. My experience there led me to Red Bird Mission eventually.” While working in the summers she got the chance to hear Rev. Billy Graham a couple times!

After graduating from Asbury College Barbara began her teaching career at Red Bird Mission High School in 1954. She left after 5 years to teach in Hamilton Ohio for 9 years. In 1969 she came back to teach at Red Bird. She stayed until she came to Alabama in 1995. She began working at the Community Thrift store and tutoring at the Big Oak girl’s ranch off Hwy. 11, while following her 3 grandchildren around the county at various sporting events.

Mrs. Smith is preceded in death by her Mother Pearl Hughes, Father Harlan Thomas Hughes, her 2 sisters, Lida Hughes and Mary Sue Duley.

She is survived by her son Jeffrey Hughes Smith (Donna), 3 grandchildren- Lesley Jane (David) Byrd, Bradley Hughes Smith, Jeffrey Charles Smith; 6 Great grandchildren- Sara, Bryce, Smith-Ann, Caroline Jane, Freddie Michael, Brookins David Byrd.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday October 25, 2025 at Springville Methodist Church starting at 12:00 PM. A visitation will be at the Church from 10:00 AM until the service hour.

In lieu of flowers please send contributions in Mrs. Smith’s memory to:

Red Bird Christian School

70 Queendale Center

Beverly, Ky 40913

or

Springville Methodist Church (designate to Missions)