Barbara Smith

Barbara was primarily a homemaker but she worked some out in the public because she loved interacting with people and they loved her bubbly personality and sweet persona. She was always a rock to her family and she loved them all unconditionally and embraced every unique characteristic of each one’s personality. Few, if any, family member or friend can you find who has a bad word to say about Barbara. She was a mama bear, though, and protected and defended her loved ones while also gently letting them know when they were wrong.

She met the one and only love of her life early on and she knew at first sight she would marry him. They would eventually marry and start a family a year later. That family has been the focus of her love and attention to the very end. When JE passed away at the age of 52, she vowed never to look for a replacement and she was steadfast in that promise until her last breath.

Barbara, as anyone who met her knew, was a God loving, God fearing Christian woman and she and JE raised their family on a strong foundation in the light of the Lord, Jesus Christ. She was truly respected by all who knew her. They leaned on the Lord in every trial or tribulation in life and they celebrated in him during all the wonderful times they were blessed with. She was loved by her family and friends and respected by all. Barbara has now been reunited with her beloved JE and welcomed into the arms of her Savior. Her work on this earth is done, and her faith has become sight. While her family and friends will miss her dearly, they find comfort in knowing she is at peace, rejoicing in Heaven with those who have gone before her.

Her family would like to say a special and heartfelt thank you to the Pearl River County Hospital & Nursing Home and Arden Hospice for the exquisite care she received. But most of all for those who loved her like family and spent special time with her even when she was going through some difficult times. The family would also like to thank the staff for always including them in her care and decisions. They did a good job keeping the family informed and putting them at ease that she was getting the best care possible.

Barbara is preceded in death by her first and only love, Jeptha Emory (JE) Smith; parents, Rollie Frierson & Mattie Wheat Frierson; her father-in-law Haschal H. (Hack) Smith; mother-in-law, Genevieve H. Smith; her siblings, Hurlon Frierson (Dot), Bobby Frierson, Charles Frierson (Hilda), Hulen Frierson (Myrt), Betty Jean Smith (Hubert) and one grandson, CJ Smith.

Left to cherish her memory, her children, Chuck Smith (Robyn), Kim Calegan (Curt), David Smith (Tracy) and Becky Miller (Tim); sister-in-law, Mary Jane White; grandchildren, Cody Smith (Jourdan), Devon Bush (Shanee), Emory Smith (Breanna), Ethan Beach, Samantha Dyche (Corie), Brice Smith, Gen Hughes (Chris), Meagan Muela (Matt), Trent Spiers (Brittany) and Gracie Gipson (Danny Chapman); great-grandchildren, Lane Smith, Luke Smith, Karsen Moore, Baileigh Moore, Caleigh Parker, Shelby Dyche, Greyson Spiers, Harlow Muela, Nate Muela, Andrew Muela, Brance Spiers, London Spiers, Levi Croas and Lillie Ann Chapman; a host of nieces, nephews and dear friends.

Family and friends are invited to attend Barbara's visitation Wednesday, October 29, 2025 from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm at White Funeral Home, 315 Hwy 11 South, Poplarville, Mississippi. Barbara's Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at 11:00 am at White Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery, Poplarville, Mississippi with Cody Smith, Emory Smith, Devon Bush, Ethan Beach, Trent Spiers, Matt Muela serving as pallbearers and with Andrew Muela, Greyson Spiers, Brance Spiers, Nate Muela, Levi Croas, Lane Smith, Luke Smith and Karsen Moore serving as honorary pallbearers.