Barbara Smith

Barbara Poe Smith, surrounded by her loving family, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, November 8, 2022. Barbara was born on November 21, 1947, to the late Bennie and Anne Poe. Barbara is survived by her daughter Bethany Tate (Jordan); sons Bruce (Ginny) and Dennis (Selena) Smith: two sisters Linda McCauley and Pam Pellegrino; grandchildren Jaylee and Bryson Tate; Ben, Austin, and Peyton Smith and Sara Higginbotham; great-grandchildren Harper, Jackson, and Hadley. She will also be deeply missed by her nieces, nephews, great-nieces/nephews, and friends.

Barbara is proceeded in death by her parents and beloved husband (Robert “Big Bob” Smith). We know they're now together dancing in heaven and resuming their long-standing feud over the correct ingredients for tomato gravy.

Barbara was a very faithful servant of the Lord as a member of the First Baptist church in Hendersonville, Tennessee. She loved her involvement with the church’s choir, camps and prayer room ministry for many years. Earlier in Barbara’s career, she was a Manager for Manpower in Nashville, and then went on to work at Channel 5. After becoming a mother, Barbara worked as a substitute teacher for 18 years in Sumner County. Her joyful and encouraging spirit endeared her to the students.

Despite Barbara's physical limitations confining her to the home for the last 15 years, Barbara's effervescent and outgoing personality was a beacon of light and inspiration to everyone.

Barbara loved singing and (without prompting or visible signs of enthusiasm from family members) would break into song at any moment. Barbara had cute phrases for every occasion, including “yabba-dabba-do” and “brother-brother-brother”, so family members will keep these phrases close to their hearts.

Always remember, “you are precious, beautiful and talented!”

-Love and thank you to all, Barbara Smith

Visitation will be held at the Hendersonville Memory Gardens on Saturday (11/12) from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm. The graveside service - officiated by Associate Pastor Jeff Lake - will be held at 11:00 am on Sunday (11/13) at Lannom Cemetery (6075 Maddox Road in Mt. Juliet). After the graveside service, please join family members for lunch at 1:00 pm at the First Baptist Church in Hendersonville (Hearthside Room).

Family will serve as pallbearers.

In lieu of floral tributes the family requested that donations be made to the Lymphatic Education & Research Network (lymphaticnetwork.org).