Barbara Jean Smith Riddle

Barbara Jean Smith Riddle, 94, of Taylors, South Carolina, went to her heavenly home on Saturday, November 8.

The family invites Barbara’s family and friends to a celebration of life at Mitchell Road Presbyterian Church on Tuesday,November 25th at 3:00. Family will greet friends after the service .

Barbara was born in Hawthorne, New York, on November 30, 1930 and moved south to enroll at Furman University, where she was an active alumna most of her life. She retired from Bethany Christian Services in 1997. After retiring, she served as a guardian ad litem for abused or neglected children.

Barbara’s life was guided by her relationship with the Lord. She was not afraid of death since she knew the kingdom of heaven was waiting for her. She was a charter member of Mitchell Road Presbyterian Church.

Her greatest joys were her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The night before she passed away, she was with her great-grandchildren and said they were “beautiful, beautiful.”

Barbara lived such a spirited life that her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren will have many fond memories that will be shared for generations to come.

Barbara loved adventure, and as she neared her final years, she would say: “My earthly death will be my next great adventure!”

She traveled frequently, was an avid square dancer, a master chef, loved to spend time in her beautiful yard and always enjoyed entertaining family and friends at her home.

She missed her final goal of living more days than her mother by just two days.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, W.R. Riddle, her parents, Damon and Arline Smith, her brother, Damon Smith, Jr. (Barbara), and her son-in-law Randy Tinsley.

She is survived by her sons Damon (Alice), Steven and her daughter, Margaret Tinsley, her granddaughters Marjorie Riddle Duffie (Jake), Blaire Reynolds (Tim), and Emily Dement (Tim), her grandsons Christopher Tinsley (Brandy), Austin Tinsley, and Andrew Riddle, her great grandsons Jack Duffie, Charlie Reynolds and August Dement, great-granddaughters Anna Rogers and Alison Reynolds, her sister-in-law Claire Riddle, numerous nieces and nephews, and her friend Dewaine Wagner.

The family would like to thank Interim Hospice and Senior Helpers, especially her caregiver Emily, for tenderly caring for her in her final months.

In loving memory of Barbara Jean Smith Riddle, whose spirit touched the lives of many, we invite family and friends to celebrate her memory through a heartfelt Tribute Tune entitled "My Next Great Adventure." To honor Barbara's memory and to experience the beauty of this tribute, please click here, “My Next Great Adventure" to listen.