BARBARA SMITH

Barbara Jean Bradshaw Smith 1922 ~ 2010 Barbara Jean Bradshaw Smith, loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, wonderful friend and tenth General President of the Relief Society of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her family, September 13, 2010 of causes incident to age. Barbara was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, on January 26, 1922 to Dan Delos ("Dee") Bradshaw and Dorothy Helen Mills Bradshaw. She graduated from South High School. She married Douglas Hill Smith (1941) in the Salt Lake Temple. Douglas and Barbara have seven children: Sandra J. Smith; Lillian S. Alldredge (Claron); Barton D. Smith (Louise); Lowell V. Smith (Lynne); Blaine K. Smith (Rebecca); Catherine S. Faulkner (Carl); and Sherilynn S. Alba (Hector). Barbara is survived by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, her brother, Thomas Rodney Bradshaw (Joan) and sister-in-law Helen Bradshaw (Frank). She was preceded in death by her husband (January 29, 2009), parents, three brothers (Robert, George and Frank Bradshaw), sister (Carolyn Strong) and a granddaughter (Ashley Ann Faulkner). Douglas and Barbara have 39 grandchildren and 84 great-grandchildren. Barbara took great joy in her posterity and they love, cherish and honor her. Barbara held many positions in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints including serving in ward and stake auxiliaries. She served on the Relief Society General Board and Church Curriculum Committee. She was called to serve as the tenth General President of the Relief Society in 1974 and served until 1984. When President Spencer W. Kimball set her apart as President, he blessed her to be "a light and inspiration to the women of the world." His blessing was fully realized. She championed the principles of righteousness as she traveled throughout the world inspiring women to live the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As Relief Society President, she met with Presidents (Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan), appeared on the Phil Donahue show, and met with kings, queens and other national and world leaders. She often reflected, however, that the most fulfilling aspect of her calling was the opportunity of interacting with the wonderful women of the Church. She encouraged women to take "one step at a time" and to remember that goals should be "stars to steer by, not sticks to beat ourselves with." During her service as Relief Society president, she was instrumental in establishing the Nauvoo Monument to Women and restoration of the Sarah Kimball home, where the concept of Relief Society was first formulated. Barbara continued the Relief Society's emphasis on disaster relief, emergency preparedness and welfare. She also emphasized mother education and stressed the importance of the family. During her presidency the Relief Society grew to approximately two million members. Following her release as general president, she accompanied Douglas to Hong Kong, where he served in the Asia Area Presidency. She had a special love for the people of those countries and they loved her. Upon her return, she served several years in the Salt Lake Temple. Barbara also served in civic and community capacities, including PTA president, President of American Mother's Inc., member of the Days of '47 Committee, Utah Division of Family Services Committee for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect, Board of the Salt Lake Chapter of the American Red Cross and the National Advisory Committee for the White House Conference on Families. She participated in a number of study and social groups, including Agalia Mu, some of which lasted for more than 70 years. Despite her many responsibilities and demands, Barbara knew her primary responsibility was to her family. She loved and supported her husband in his many church and civic responsibilities. She loved and nourished each of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her posterity numbers 170 and she knew, loved, encouraged and supported each individual. She set an example of personal righteousness and dedication to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and encouraged her family to follow the example of the Savior in serving others. She was involved in as many family activities with each as possible. She organized family parties, outings, celebrations and family conferences to assemble her family and teach them the Gospel. She was esteemed and loved by each member of her family. She received numerous awards and recognitions, including the Exemplary Woman Award from Brigham Young University and Ricks College, an honorary Doctor of Humanities degree from Brigham Young University and a Doctor of Humanities degree from Weber State University. She recently received an award from the Days of '47 Committee, recognizing her contribution to the Days of '47 and the creation of Pioneers of Progress Award. She authored a number of books. Friends may visit Larkin Mortuary, 260 East South Temple St., Salt Lake City, Utah on Sunday, September 19, 2010 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Monday, September 20, 2010 at noon at the Ensign Second Ward, 135 North "A" Street, Salt Lake City, Utah. A viewing will be held an hour before the service. Interment will be in the Salt Lake Cemetery.