Tributes

During her incarnated life, Barbara Ruth Smith,82, lived a life full of love and was known for her grace and humility. She was a Galveston native who attended public schools and worked in the hotel industry before becoming a cook at various places like Gus Allen, St. Mary’s, and Head Chief at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB). She was married to Roy C. Smith for 55 years and together, they raised four children. Barbara was the matriarch of her family and took immense pride in raising her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was a loving and caring caretaker to her family and friends. She always offered a helping hand and made sure they were well-fed with her delicious meals. Bingo was one of her favorite pastimes, and she would often play it with her grandkids while they enjoyed a meal. Whenever her family came to visit, she would make their stay enjoyable by cooking for them, fellowshipping, and playing her favorite card games. Barbara Ruth Cooper Smith was a determined and strong-willed woman who enjoyed music, dancing, and teaching her grandchildren how to play card games in her free time. Cooking and baking were her passions, and she had many favorite dishes and recipes that she taught her family. Barbara never used a measuring cup. She was always willing to teach anyone who wanted to learn how to cook like her or even better. Her favorite bible verse was Joshua 1:9, “Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Her favorite quote, "Never let your left hand know what your right hand is doing." However, she had a pet peeve of someone coming into the kitchen without washing their hands. Despite facing multiple health challenges in the last five years of her life, Barbara fought like a warrior until the end. Many medical professionals who treated her during this time were impressed by her resilience. Barbara was born on March 19, 1941, in Galveston, Texas, to Isaac Cooper and Leona Blackwell Cooper. She was the 9th child of 10 children. On January 31, 2024, Barbara passed away peacefully at Kindred Hospital at Clear Lake. She was welcomed into heaven by her husband, Roy C. Smith Sr., and her son, Roy C. Smith Jr., as well as her parents, siblings, five sisters: Doris Lee, Vera Carter, Celeste Kennison, Florence Cooper, and Betty Wright, and four brothers: Isaac Cooper Jr., George Raymond Cooper, Lawrence Cooper, and Morris Cooper. Barbara's children, Gwendolyn Guzman, Rondy Smith (Cheryl), and Taffy Smith, will always cherish the memories of their time spent with her. She also leaves behind twenty-four grandchildren who will miss her dearly: LaTashia, Le Ochia (Dennys), Jacoby (Lashaundra), James, Timothy, LaTiya (Kenny), Dante (Britany), Torian, Syress (Kenosha), Talicia, Tanitra (Derrick), Roykeshia, Dina (Burby), Nicole (Abron), Danita, Kristina, Nakia, Toddrick, Char’mon (Crystal), Raven, Tyren, Roy III, Kennisha, and Ashley; sixty-eight great-grandchildren, eleven great-great-grandchildren. Mother-in-law, Annie Smith. Devoted friends Georgia Freeman, James Lee, Adline Smith, and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends. Although Barbara may be gone from our sight, she will never be gone from our hearts. May the winds of heaven blow softly and whisper in her ear how much we love and miss her, and wish she were here. Aunt Barbara, Boobie, Aunt Bobbie, or "Momma" and "Grandma" to those who loved her, was a faithful servant, and it is now time for her to enter the joy of her master. She will continue to watch over and guide us forever. We love you, “Momma”, “Grandma”, “Aunt Bobbie”! ❤️

Tributes

Barbara Ruth Cooper Smith

March 19, 1941 - January 31, 2024