Barbara Jean Smith was born on December 26, 1954, in New Orleans, Louisiana, to the late John Henry Smith and Dorothy Mae Broaden Smith. She peacefully transitioned from this life at her home on December 10, 2025.

Barbara began her education in the East Baton Rouge Parish School System, graduating from Baker High School. She later attended Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, for a brief time.

She dedicated much of her professional life to the food service industry. Barbara was employed with R Enterprises, where she served as a manager with Popeyes Fried Chicken for nearly 20 years. She later retired after eight years of service with Valluzzo Companies, where she worked as a manager with McDonald’s.

Throughout her life, Barbara was known as a diligent and committed worker who touched the lives of many with her compassion, kindness, and warm sense of humor. She brought light and joy to those fortunate enough to know her, always offering support and comfort in times of need.

Barbara’s legacy of love and generosity will continue to inspire her family, friends, and all whose lives she enriched. Though her presence will be deeply missed, the impact of her kindness will forever remain in the hearts of those who loved her. Barbara Jean Smith’s memory is a treasured gift to all.

She leaves to cherish her loving memories her son, DeAngelo Smith, and daughter-in-law, Chantell Raphael Smith, of Gonzales, Louisiana; grandchildren, Delon (Simone) Smith of Addis, Louisiana, ZaMyria Smith of Baker, Louisiana, and Dylan August of Gonzales, Louisiana; great-grandchildren, Noah and Natalie Smith of Addis, Louisiana, and Autumn Smith of Baker, Louisiana; siblings, John Broaden of New Orleans, Louisiana, and Larry Smith of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; along with a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Her spirit will live on through the stories and memories shared by all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Dorothy Smith; grandparents, Boysie and Maggie Smith and Henry and Luebertha Broaden; and siblings, James Broaden, Gwendolyn Smith, and Bruce Smith.