Perry-Spencer Madison | NC

Obituary For Barbara Martin Smith

Mrs. Barbara Martin Smith, 75, of Eden, NC died May 4, 2019. Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, May 11, 2019 at Bold Springs Baptist Church, 3241 Guerrant Springs Rd., Ruffin, NC. The family will receive friends from 1:30 to 2:00 p.m. Saturday at the church. Public viewing will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday at the Perry Spencer Funeral Home Memorial Chapel, Eden, NC.

On Saturday, May 4, 2019, our beloved Barbara was called to be with the Lord. Barbara was a devoted daughter, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Barbara embraced everyone she came in contact with and loved all with compassion, grace and mercy. She loved spending time with her children, her grandchildren, all of her siblings, and a host of family and friends. She has mentored, guided, and provided a helping hand to many. Barbara’s career started at N.C. A&T University earning a Bachelor’s Degree in mathematics and a Master’s degree in Adult Education. During her college tenure, she became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated. She made her mark in Civil Rights History participating in the Greensboro Woolworth Sit-Ins in 1960. She worked in various industries in many leadership positions such as the Government (Post-Office) and Higher Education (N.C. A&T University, Prairie View A&M, Savannah State University, Hampton University) retiring from Hampton University. After moving back home to Eden, NC to care for her parents, she taught and mentored many young students at Dudley High School, Reidsville Middle School, and Reidsville High School retiring permanently from Reidsville High School after 15 years of teaching. She received the Teacher of the Year 2014 – 2015 award at Reidsville High School - Rockingham County, N.C. Barbara marked many beautiful places on the map that she traveled to with her children and her sisters. She loved to travel and covered the map making many memories. She would also ask “when is the next trip?” When she wasn’t traveling, she was attended Bold Springs Missionary Baptist Church as a member of the Adult Choir and the Church Secretary. She was very devoted to her faithfulness to God, her church family, and to her Pastor, Samuel Scales. Barbara is preceded in death by her parents, Sam Wesley Martin Sr. and Gracie (Williams) Martin, Michael Willet Smith, Sr., Brother John Marshall Martin “Sugar”, and sisters Ruth Mitchell “Shortie” and Charlotte Martin “Reedie”. Survived by her siblings Ann Weathers “Bill” (Eddie), Betsy Galloway “Ray”, Ernestine Martin “Teenie”, Sam Martin Jr. “Bud” (Maye), Rose Martin “Peedie”, Donnie Martin (Patra), and Michael Martin. Barbara leaves behind a host of nieces and nephews. Barbara, known as “Chunk” was a wonderful mother and grandmother and bragged affectionately and proudly of her children and grandchildren. She wanted to know all of their endeavors, provided guidance, and doted on their accomplishments. Barbara leaves behind children and grandchildren to continue her legacy: Daughter, Alycia Smith (Tyler) and sons Michael Willet Smith, Jr. (Dorothy), and Marcus Smith (Nicole). A host of grandchildren with each having a special relationship: Shawn, Anthony, Terri, Maija, Darrian, Tristin, Jordan, Veronica, Justin, Brya, Jazmyne, Serinity, Jalissa, and Devan. She was blessed with two great grandsons, Amir and Shawn. Barbara was a loyal friend of 44 years to Joy Moyer as well as a wonderful mother figure, stepping in to lovingly guide Ivan (Skip) Hart and Teresa Barham and family. She never met a stranger leaving a host of friends including all of her students to cherish her memory. Barbara was filled with compassion, was sincere, genuine, and a very classy lady. She was amazingly beautiful, filled with such joy and laughter and shared that with everyone. She will be truly missed. “When we lose someone we love, we must learn not to live without them, but to live with the love they left behind.” ~Anonymous

Guest Book

Please accept my deepest heartfelt compassions for the loss of your dear loved one May your fondest memories bring you joy and may prayers to the God of all comfort strengthen you. He promises, "I have heard your prayer. I have seen your tears. I am healing you." 2 Kings 20:5. Jennifer Vann

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I only knew her for a short time but it was clear to me that she was a woman of strength far ahead of her time. May her soul Rest In Peace.

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I met Barbara at Reidsville High School when I began there in 2012 and always enjoyed talking with her so much. She brought positive energy with her wherever she went. You always felt uplifted in her presence and like others have said, she was the ultimate classy lady. I am praying for your family during this difficult time. Mary Williamson

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I met Barbara at Reidsville High School when I began there in 2012 and always enjoyed talking with her so much. She brought positive energy with her wherever she went. You always felt uplifted in her presence and like others have said, she was the ultimate classy lady. I am praying for your family during this difficult time. Mary Williamson

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Barbara Smith, such a great role model and math teacher. We certainly enjoyed being your coworkers! You always referred to us as "The Sisters!" Blessings to your family! Toni Graves and Marsha Tatum

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Barbara was one of the bright spots in my day when we worked together at RHS. She often had us giggling, telling us stories of all the crazy things her kids had done when they were little. And she was equally as proud of their accomplishments as adults. The world will dim a little without her light. Shari Z. Gulley

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I worked with Barbara at Reidsville High school and rarely missed an opportunity to stop and have a conversation with her which almost always ended in laughter. I miss her every day but I am so glad to know her soul lives on! She was VERY PROUD of her sons and she kept me posted on their careers and their success. I am so sorry for your loss. She left us too soon. Raymond Eaton

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It was a privilege and honor to know Barbara Smith. While I only worked with her for three years at Reidsville High School, it felt like I have known her for a lifetime. Barbara always found a way to bring joy and laughter into my day. She was a wonderful woman, excellent colleague, and joyous friend. Prayers for Barbara and her family - Matt Rice, AP Reidsville High School.

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Barbara Smith was truly a wonderful teacher and friend. Her beautiful smile was something I looked forward to each day we worked together. My sincere condolences on your loss. Brett Denney

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I’m sorry to hear of the loss of your love one Barbara and my sincere condolences are with the Smith family. At this time of sadness your hearts are full of pain, however, the greatest comfort is knowing Barbara have the hope of a resurrection. Our Heavenly Father Jehovah provide this hope by sending his son Jesus who offered his life for the resurrection hope. Acts 24:15 and John 5:28,29 confirms the resurrection hope for Barbara. Furthermore, our Heavenly Father recognize the pain you’re experiencing now and offer these words of comfort, “Jehovah is close to the broken hearted; He is near those who are crushed in spirit” is found at Psalms 34:18. Therefore, pray to the god of all comfort because he wants you to because James 4:8 states “draw close to god and he will draw close to you”.

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It is a hard thing to take in enjoy your time with the master lord i pray for strength and comfort for the family i remember comeing to RHS after i left just for a visit am going to miss you so glad and thankful i got to call you a friend - Michael Chase

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Ms. Smith, You were truly an amazing person. It was a pleasure to have worked with you. Take your well deserved rest. Anthony Spinks.

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Sorry to hear of the passing of Barbara she was a sweet, kind gentle beautiful lady. I remember when she came to teach at Reidsville Middle School she was so pleasant to be around. May God be with the family during this difficult time. Praying that God will keep you in his loving care. Beverly Meadows

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So sorry to hear of you mother passing. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends during this difficult time. I had only met Ms. Barbara one time and that was at her daughter's (Alycia) work and she had the biggest smile and it was infectious. God has picked a beautiful flower to join his garden.

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