Barbara Hockersmith

Barbara Robinson Hockersmith passed away quietly at the age of 97 on October 24, 2025. Barbara's passing completed a varied and fascinating life full of love, challenge, and adventure.
Barbara was born in Scott, Arkansas on January 8, 1928 to Otis Walker Robinson and Lena James Robinson Cooper. Barbara excelled in school, eventually graduating at age 16 from Benton High School in 1944. Barbara then went to work for WWII defense contractor Alcoa.
After the war ended, Barbara attended Anderson Junior College in South Carolina and later returned to Arkansas for a summer session at Little Rock Junior College. There she reunited with her high school sweetheart, who was returning from service in the Army Air Corps. Barbara and Thomas Conrad Hockersmith married in July 1946 and moved to New Haven, Connecticut where her husband attended Yale University.
In 1948, Barbara returned to Little Rock where she would raise her four children with love and constant support. In 1971, Barbara returned to work at the state's Motor Vehicle Department and eventually retired there as manager of the Direct Sales Section in 1991.
Barbara made the most of her retirement. When she wasn't reading or playing with a grandchild, she was entertaining friends and family with her own creative projects, which included making custom holiday and greeting cards as well as researching and compiling the materials she used to author a comprehensive history of her life.
Barbara faced one last challenge when her Little Rock condominium was struck by a devastating tornado on March 31, 2023. Although she survived the storm, the trauma and sense of loss contributed to her declining health.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents and husband. She is survived by four children, Kaki Hockersmith Mehlburger (Max), Steven Conrad Hockersmith (Kim), Thomas Edward Hockersmith, and Barbara Anne Kuhn; as well as four grandchildren, Michelle Nichols, Dax Miller, Ashlan Hockersmith, and Lance Hockersmith; and four great-grandchildren. Her family would also like to thank the two dedicated caregivers, Delynn Hearn and Cheryl Warren, who assisted Barbara as her health declined as well as the staff at Hospice Home Care.
Family and friends can commemorate Barbara's life at a graveside service at Pinecrest Cemetery on Highway 5 at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, October 30. Online condolences may be posted at RuebelFuneralHome.com
A devout Christian, Barbara attended Westover Hills Presbyterian Church in Little Rock for many years. In lieu of flowers, you may make a memorial contribution to the church or to the charity of your choice. Arrangements are under the direction of RuebelFuneralHome.com