Barbara T. Smith
December 25, 1945 — April 17, 2025
“Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!” Matthew 25:23
Barbara Diane Thompson Smith was born to the late Vernon and Ophelia Thompson on December 25, 1945, in Boynton Beach, Florida. Barbara spent her childhood in Boynton Beach and attended St. Cuthbert’s Episcopal Church. Being the youngest of eight, four boys: Vernon Jr., Winston, Locksley, and John; four girls Betty, Olive, and Evelyn whom all proceeded her in death. Barbara was educated by the Palm Beach County School System. She attended Poinciana Elementary School and Carver Middle/High School where she met many of her lifelong friends. In particular, a special one being Theodoshia Williams (9th grade) Barbara (8th grade). After graduating from Carver High School in 1963, Barbara enrolled at Palm Beach Junior College now known as Palm Beach State College. After receiving her Associates Degree, Barbara enrolled and graduated from Florida Atlantic University in 1968 with her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education.
To ensure she was in attendance at Florida Atlantic University, Mr. Thompson hired a local associate to transport his daughter to and from school. This local associate was Stafford Smith. Later, she married Stafford Smith on October 23, 1971. This union created two strong wonderful sons and two beautiful, loving grandchildren that she adored immensely. They were the sunshine to her life. Stafford and Barbara were married for 32 years before Stafford peacefully answered the call of Our Lord and Savior on September 30, 2004.
After graduating from Florida Atlantic University in 1968, Barbara became employed by the Palm Beach County School District at Gladeview Elementary in Belle Glade, Florida. Barbara and Theodoshia traveled together daily, as she was a teacher as well in Pahokee, Florida. Barbara worked in Belle Glade for two years then transferred to Lantana Elementary in Lantana, Florida. Barbara and Theodoshia’s transfer to Lantana Elementary School was during the beginning of integration. After 36 years of teaching, Barbara retired from Palm Beach County School District in 2004. Even after 36 years of teaching, there was still a void and a passion for teaching that she missed; therefore, she returned to teach at Lake Worth’s Community Center for 10 more years from 2005-2015. Barbara taught English courses to individuals in which English was not their first language.
Barbara was a woman of service. She dedicated her life to God through serving her church, St. Cuthbert’s Episcopal Church. As a member of St. Cuthbert’s, she held the position as church treasurer from 1994 until 2025. She also served as her family’s matriarch, as the torch was silently passed over the years, not once did she complain. She assumed the role of family matriarch and even became a surrogate mother to a host of nieces and nephews.
Barbara doted over her grandkids as they were the apple of her eyes. However, her great success was in knowing her sons, “MY BOYS” as she would affectionally say have become the men that she and Stafford dreamed they would become. While her unwavering love and unlimited servitude is notable to those who know her, her love of the Lord far exceeds her earthly recognition.
Barbara leaves to mourn her life two sons Brock (Monica) and Stephen (Tirrell), two grandchildren, Paige and Dylan, a host of nieces, nephews and her best friend of 60 plus years Theodoshia Williams.
She is preceded in death by her parents, siblings, and husband.
Praised be to the God and the Father of Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the come we ourselves receive from God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Barbara Diane Thompson Smith was born to the late Vernon and Ophelia Thompson on December 25, 1945, in Boynton Beach, Florida. Barbara spent her childhood in Boynton Beach and attended St. Cuthbert’s Episcopal Church. Being the youngest of eight, four boys: Vernon Jr., Winston, Locksley, and John; four girls Betty, Olive, and Evelyn whom all proceeded her in death. Barbara was educated by the Palm Beach County School System. She attended Poinciana Elementary School and Carver Middle/High School where she met many of her lifelong friends. In particular, a special one being Theodoshia Williams (9th grade) Barbara (8th grade). After graduating from Carver High School in 1963, Barbara enrolled at Palm Beach Junior College now known as Palm Beach State College. After receiving her Associates Degree, Barbara enrolled and graduated from Florida Atlantic University in 1968 with her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education.
To ensure she was in attendance at Florida Atlantic University, Mr. Thompson hired a local associate to transport his daughter to and from school. This local associate was Stafford Smith. Later, she married Stafford Smith on October 23, 1971. This union created two strong wonderful sons and two beautiful, loving grandchildren that she adored immensely. They were the sunshine to her life. Stafford and Barbara were married for 32 years before Stafford peacefully answered the call of Our Lord and Savior on September 30, 2004.
After graduating from Florida Atlantic University in 1968, Barbara became employed by the Palm Beach County School District at Gladeview Elementary in Belle Glade, Florida. Barbara and Theodoshia traveled together daily, as she was a teacher as well in Pahokee, Florida. Barbara worked in Belle Glade for two years then transferred to Lantana Elementary in Lantana, Florida. Barbara and Theodoshia’s transfer to Lantana Elementary School was during the beginning of integration. After 36 years of teaching, Barbara retired from Palm Beach County School District in 2004. Even after 36 years of teaching, there was still a void and a passion for teaching that she missed; therefore, she returned to teach at Lake Worth’s Community Center for 10 more years from 2005-2015. Barbara taught English courses to individuals in which English was not their first language.
Barbara was a woman of service. She dedicated her life to God through serving her church, St. Cuthbert’s Episcopal Church. As a member of St. Cuthbert’s, she held the position as church treasurer from 1994 until 2025. She also served as her family’s matriarch, as the torch was silently passed over the years, not once did she complain. She assumed the role of family matriarch and even became a surrogate mother to a host of nieces and nephews.
Barbara doted over her grandkids as they were the apple of her eyes. However, her great success was in knowing her sons, “MY BOYS” as she would affectionally say have become the men that she and Stafford dreamed they would become. While her unwavering love and unlimited servitude is notable to those who know her, her love of the Lord far exceeds her earthly recognition.
Barbara leaves to mourn her life two sons Brock (Monica) and Stephen (Tirrell), two grandchildren, Paige and Dylan, a host of nieces, nephews and her best friend of 60 plus years Theodoshia Williams.
She is preceded in death by her parents, siblings, and husband.
Praised be to the God and the Father of Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the come we ourselves receive from God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
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