Barbara Lee Smith

Barbara Lee Smith passed away on December 27, 2025, at the age of 85. She was born on March 20, 1940, in Tulare County, California to the late Gabriel Andrew and Nettie Lee Henderson. In addition to her parents, Barbara is preceded in death by her sister, Bobetta Joy Henderson Poole.

Early in her life, Barbara moved from Bald Knob to Little Rock, Arkansas. She worked several different jobs throughout her career, including positions at the Arkansas Democrat Gazette, Coca Cola, JA Riggs Tractor Company, and Arkla Federal Credit Union, where she retired as the manager. Barbara loved her husband very dearly and intensely. Spending time with family was pure joy for her, and she cherished every moment with them.

In her personal time, Barbara enjoyed various puzzles, including jigsaw, word searches, sudoku, and crossword puzzles. She also had a passion for playing dominos.

Those left to cherish her memory include her beloved husband of 65 years, Maynard Lee Smith; sisters, Brenda Mealer and Glenda McCready; children, Jeff (Stacy) Smith and Robyn (Jon) Dodson; grandchildren, Brittni (Matt) Hankins, Holly Karras, Houston (Haley) Smith, Jeremiah Dodson, Nathan (Sierra) Dodson, Anna Kate Dodson, and Maddison Webb; great-grandchildren, Landon Karras, Rowan Hankins, Georgia Smith, and one other on the way; as well as many other beloved family members and friends.

A visitation will be held on January 5, 2026, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at Park Place Baptist Church, located at 22208 I-30 Frontage Rd, Bryant, AR 72022. A funeral service will follow at 1:00 pm, also at the church. She will be laid to rest immediately following the service at Pinecrest Memorial Park.

Barbara will be remembered for her bravery, strength, devotion, and the kindness she shared with everyone around her. She leaves behind a legacy of love and selflessness that will continue to inspire those who knew her.