Barbara Allen Smith

Barbara Allen Smith passed away on January 13, 2023 in Virginia Beach, Virginia at the age of 94. She had been living in Virginia Beach for the past 28 years. She was born in Louisville, Kentucky, but raised in El Dorado, Arkansas. She also spent several years in Louisiana, Northern Virginia, New Mexico, Colorado and southern California. She also lived in Naples Italy for several years. She was married for forty years to her one and only husband, Earl E. Smith.

She worked for Civil Service for many years, retiring at the Norfolk Naval Air Station in Norfolk, Virginia at the age of 70. She also worked as a typist and assistant for her husband for many years, to include acting as an extra in a couple of her husband’s movies. Additionally, she did volunteer work for the Beach House community outreach program in Virginia Beach and for the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill.

In addition to her parents and husband, Barbara was predeceased by sister in law, Amy Roper and niece, Valerie Turnage. Survivors include her son, Slade Randall Smith, her daughter, Kerry Smith DeMille and grandchildren; Wyatt Alexander DeMille and Chelsea Renée DeMille. She is also survived by her brother, Bill Turnage, sister, Marilyn Turnage, sister in law, Myra Turnage, nieces; Brynne Bryan and Carol Whatley and her nephews; Barry Bryan, Paul Turnage, Greg Turnage and David Roper.

Our mother was the sweetest and most caring person you could ever meet. She was a devoted and loving wife, mother, sister, and friend. She was a fantastic cook and spoke fluent Italian. She was a lover of the arts, enjoying movies, plays and musical events her entire life. She loved the opera, and her favorite song is Nessun Dorma sung by Luciano Pavarotti.

Our mother was a beautiful and good person through and through, and all of her family and friends will miss her greatly and never forget the love she gave to us all.

A private service will be held for family and friends.