Barbara Bell Smith

Barbara Bell Smith joined our Lord peacefully on June 14, 2026. We find comfort in knowing she’s reunited with her beloved husband, Billy Lane Smith, and their only son, Mark Lane Smith. She leaves behind her daughter in-law, Ronda Slusher, three grandchildren and their spouses; Dylan and Shelby Smith of Oklahoma City, OK, Katie and Schell Apple of Sikeston, MO, Garrett and Sydney Smith of Dayton, OH, and two great grandchildren who called her Grammy, Chainey and Clinton Apple. Gram is preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Aldeena Southern of Portageville, MO. She is survived by four sisters; Felicia Griffin of Edgewater, FL, Alice and Tom Boggs of Demopolis, AL, Debra Medling of Saint Peters, MO, and Janice and Roger Graham of Henry, TN.

Barbara Bell Southern was born August 30, 1943, in Steel, MO. She married the love of her life, Billy Lane Smith, on June 4th, 1961. Together they had one son, Mark Lane Smith, who was born on December 12th, 1965. She graduated with her Bachelors and Masters degree in Education from Southeast Missouri State University. She began her teaching career in Bell City, MO and taught English for many years in Sikeston Public Schools. Later in life Judge Tony Heckemeyer hired her to found and run Emergency Children’s Services in Sikeston, MO that would also serve surrounding counties. Barbara was an early advocate for the juveniles in our nation. She served in the Missouri Juvenile Justice Association for 33 years and received the Andrew Jackson Higgins award multiple times. She also served as a court appointed special advocate for 33 years. She received the National Court Administrator of the Year award. Barbara was also the first court administrator under Judge David Dolan to start a juvenile drug court in the state of Missouri.

Though Gram was an advocate for the youth in our country, her passion started with her love for her family. She loved preparing bologna sandwiches for tailgate lunches on the farm, driving a little Farmall B, soaking up the sun on a beach, watching football, and attending any and every event possible for her grandchildren.

Barbara attended Shady Acres Church of Christ for most of her adult life where she had friends that turned into family. She proudly served on multiple mission trips to Romania where she helped spread the gospel. She also loved meeting with her ladies prayer group.

Barbara was a wonderful mom, gram, grammy, sister, friend, and leader. Although we will miss her, we rejoice in knowing she’s whole again.

Visitation will be held at Shady Acres Church of Christ in Sikeston, MO on July 9th, 2026 from 10:00am - 11:30am with a funeral service immediately following. After the service there will be a private burial.

Found memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.nunneleefuneralchapel.com for the Smith Family.