Mrs. Barbara Baker Smith passed away on April 6, 2021, at the age of 84, after battling a rare neurological disorder.

Barbara was born in Houston, Texas, on July 12, 1936. She was the eldest child of George Rusk Baker and Mary Lee Reichart Baker. Barbara married Archie Edward Smith in Midwest City, Oklahoma, on August 16, 1954. She was preceded in death by her cherished husband in 2001, after nearly 47 years of marriage. Barbara, a devout Catholic, attended St. Agnes Academy in Houston when it was located off of Fannin, and was a longtime volunteer at Mary, the Star of the Sea Church in Jamaica Beach Galveston, where she resided for the last 20 years.

Barbara was a self-professed movie buff. Her passion for movies was instilled by her father at a very early age. She had a vast collection of movies and looked forward to seeing each newly released saga of Star Wars at the theater in her beloved Galveston.

Anyone who met Barbara though, knew that she had a far greater passion than movies. Barbara absolutely loved animals – any kind of animal – and was a life-long champion of animal causes. Through the years, she provided a wonderful, loving home to so many animals including Caesar, Nero, Empress, Contessa, Ramel, Cocoa, Tiffany, Rex, Roxy, Bruno, Rashi, Misty, Darcy, Brandy, Chuey, Chance, Chyna, and Chaz.

Barbara, affectionately known as BeBe, was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother and the heartbeat of her family. She was blessed with 7 children: Dane Earl Smith who preceded his mother in death in 2009, and spouse Kristi; Troy M. Smith and spouse, Susan; Robin E. Smith who preceded his mother in death in 2010; Kerry L. Smith and spouse, Carmen; Candi L. Smith Burling and spouse, Brett; Kurtis R. Smith and spouse, Tracy; and Bart W. Smith and spouse, Jennie; 11 grandchildren: Cerissa, Shae, Amanda, Audrey, Cullen, Brianna, Cody, Colton, Gavin, Bryce, and Miranda; and 10 great-grandchildren: Phoenix, Kylee, Lane, Weston, Avery, Braylen, Ellie, Bentley, Haven, and Jackson. Barbara was also a doting big sister to Steve Baker who preceded his sister in death in 2020, and to twin sisters, Bernadene and Bernadette.

To know Barbara, was to love Barbara. She will be forever missed by her family and countless friends.

There will be a Celebration of Barbara's life on Friday, June 11, 2021 at 10:30 am at Prince of Peace Catholic Community 19222 Tomball Parkway  Houston, Texas  77070.