Barbara Madden Smith

Born January 6, 1966 and raised in Arbutus, Maryland, Barbara led a life characterized by diligence and resilience. After attending Catonsville Community College and the University of Baltimore, Barbara married her college sweetheart, William Nelson Smith, during her senior year. Barbara and William began their married life in Maryland before moving to Charlotte, North Carolina where they resided for 30 years and raised their children. Barbara was a CFA charter-holder and a CPA, building a distinguished career at the Wells Fargo Bank, where she worked for 23 years as a Managing Director and the Chief Operating Officer of Commercial Real Estate Capital Markets & Finance.

Barbara was known to all as a deeply affectionate, generous, and empathetic woman. She cared greatly for her loved ones, who will always remember her warm nature, bright smile and playful sense of humor.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents Joseph Patrick and Regina Agnes Madden, and is survived by her loving husband of 38 years, William Smith, and her children, Wyatt Michael Smith and Alana Claire Smith, her siblings Dennis (Deanne), Mary Regina Smith (James E.), Rita Franz (Douglas), Michael (Betty Jane), J. Patrick Madden Jr. (Kimberlyn), Thérèse (Gregory Shirah). Her loss will be greatly felt by her extensive family and friends.

A Memorial Mass for Barbara will be held at 10:30 am on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at St. Gabriel Catholic Church, 3016 Providence Road, Charlotte, NC 28211.

In Lieu of flowers the family asks that you consider making a donation in Barbara’s name to:The Joseph and Regina Madden Fund, St. Michael Indian School, P.O. Box 650, St. Michaels, AZ 86511

Brown-Wynne, 300 Saint Mary's Street, Raleigh is serving the Smith family.