Miss. Barbara Ann Smith

Eden, NC - It is with profound sorrow that we announce the death of Miss. Barbara Ann Smith of 1248 Irving Avenue, Eden, North Carolina. She passed away on Wednesday, October 08, 2025, at Ancora Compassionate Care in Wentworth, North Carolina.

Barbara Ann Smith made her grand entrance into this world on January 01, 1946, born to the late Walter Smith and Mary Ann Sergent Smith Scales—and from her very first breath, it was clear: this girl was going to keep us on our toes. Yes, Barbara Ann was born with Down syndrome, but that’s not the difference we’re talking about. The real difference? Barbara Ann wasn’t just looking for a spiritual experience—she was a Christ-like spirit having a human adventure. And what an adventure it was.

She praised her God with joyful abandon, sang like nobody was watching (though we always were), and if she ever thought she’d offended you—even accidentally—you’d get a heartfelt “Beg your pardon” before you could blink. Her grace was matched only by her sass. If you crossed her or got too fresh, you’d hear her classic warning: “I’m gonna smack that…” delivered with just enough flair to make you laugh and straighten up at the same time.

Barbara Ann had a gift for turning everyday moments into celebrations. She loved company, adored yard sales with her mama on Saturdays, and could turn a simple visit into a full-blown event. Her laugh? Infectious. You didn’t need to know the joke—if Barbara Ann was laughing, you were laughing too. And her love for animals? Every cat was named “Kitty,” and every “Kitty” knew they were loved.

She cherished her family, and they cherished her right back. They made sure she had all the costume jewelry she needed to sparkle like the queen she was. She never missed a family gathering—birthdays, graduations, reunions—you name it, Barbara Ann was there, dressed to the nines and ready to enjoy.

Barbara Ann lived life on her terms, and somehow, the world joyfully fell in line. In additional to her parents Barbara Ann was preceded in death by her sisters Bec and Liz. 

Barbara Ann Smith leaves behind her devoted sister Janie Roberts (Wendell), her brother Willard Smith “Dick”, both of Eden, NC; and a whole tribe of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews who will forever carry her spirit—and maybe a few of her “Barbarisms”—in their hearts.

Though she’s no longer with us in body, Barbara Ann’s spirit is alive and well. Somewhere in the heavens, she’s laughing, praising, and probably telling an angel, “Beg your pardon, but I’m gonna smack that harp if you don’t play it right!” And God, with a smile, is surely saying, “Welcome home, my good and faithful servant.”

Rest in peace, sweet Barbara Ann. You were one of a kind—and we wouldn’t have had it any other way.

The family may be contacted at her residence 1248 Irving Avenue, Eden, North Carolina.

Public viewing for Miss. Barbara Ann Smith will be on Friday, October 10, 2025; from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Fulton-Walton Memorial Chapel 417 Price Street, Eden, NC.

Funeral service for Miss. Barbara Ann Smith will be conducted at 1:00pm on Saturday, October 11, 2025; at Fulton-Walton Memorial Chapel 417 Price Street, Eden, NC.

Interment will follow in the Hairston Family Cemetery in Eden, North Carolina.

Fulton-Walton Memorial Chapel 417 Price St. Eden, NC (Location)

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