Barbara A. Smith

Barbara was born on February 23, 1949, in Curtis, Arkansas, to her loving parents, Sam Horton and Ietta Mitchell Horton. She peacefully departed this life on September 15, 2026, in Grand Prairie, Texas.

Barbara graduated from Peake High School in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, in 1967. She attended the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff before moving to Wichita, Kansas, with the love of her life, Clarence Smith.

Barbara went on to build a rewarding 27-year career with Boeing Aircraft, working in Production Management.

Barbara always had an affectionate smile and a willingness to help anyone in need. She loved spending time with her grandchildren, each of whom shared a special and unique relationship with her. Barbara was a mom not only to her own children, but was also affectionately known as “Mama Barb” to many others.

She had a strong faith and a deep love for the Lord. She was always the voice of reason, your greatest cheerleader, and the rock and pillar of strength for her immediate family. Barbara was always there to support and encourage those who needed her.

She was welcomed home by her beloved husband, Clarence Smith (2015); her parents, Sam (1986) and Ietta Horton (1997); her sisters, Henry Etta (2013) and Mattie Armstrong (2020); three brothers, Maurice (2010), Samuel, Sr. (2013), and Donald Horton (2025); and her granddaughter, Sasha Smith (2023).

Barbara is survived by her three children, Sean Smith (Dawnyelle) of Mansfield, Texas, Sonya Drayer of Grand Prairie, Texas, and Shani Smith of Arlington, Texas; six grandchildren, Shaniya Willis, Cedric Drayer, Sean Smith II, Jason Bennett, Sterling Smith, and Chace Smith; and her brother, Jerry Horton of McKinney, Texas.

A graveside memorial service will be held in Curtis, Arkansas, on October 10, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.