BARBARA'S OBITUARY
Barbara Jean Day Smith
Also known as Nanny
Born November 9, 1936 in Harlan County, Kentucky.
She grew up surrounded by a host of Day uncles and cousins whom she dearly adored, and was raised by her grandmother who was born in 1879, and her father a WW II veteran.
She met the love of her life, Joseph Palmer Smith, Sr. at the local skating rink while he was on leave from the Korean War. They were amazing skaters. In the 1940's they were often televised performing as a couple.
Together they had three sons. After their first child was born, Joe worked in the family coal mines. In the 1950's they moved from Kentucky to New Mexico when jobs were plentiful on Route 66. In Glenreo, a small town that divided Texas and New Mexico, Barbara was the Post Master. She operated the post office by herself along side mothering her 3 youngsters, while Joe worked for a fueling station and later became a Border Patrol Officer. Later, they moved to San Jon, NM where they owned and operated the Smith Café. They had lots of memories there.
After the boys were grown, the couple moved to Roswell, NM where Barbara worked for Sears and Roebuck, retiring after 30 years in top sales and Joe was the store manager at Kmart where he later retired.
As proud parents, their sons, Joe and Bobby joined the military, while their oldest son, Ricky worked the construction of I-40. In 1976 they were heart broken by the loss of their oldest son Ricky.
In 1979, their first grandchild was born, they spoiled her rotten and the rest in history with many more grandchildren to come.
Being raised by her grandmother, Barb was unique in her ability to share interesting stories from the past recanting tales of old Kentucky feuds, pranks, uprisings, moonshine stills, and coal mines.
She loved her children and grandchildren to a fault. She was very protective of her family. If threatened she wouldn't back down without a fight.
If you ever got the privilege to dance with her, you would quickly find yourself floating along the dance floor. Both grace and confidence came natural to her. She was simplistic yet richly elegant, a timeless beauty. When she walked into a room it was impossible to miss her. She was strong in her beliefs, both spiritual and political. She never refrained from what she stood for and who she was as a woman.
She was a proud member of the Order of Eastern Star, representing Joe's position as a Master Mason. Barbara was fluent in the word of God, she studied her scriptures often.
She was preceded in death by her grandmother Louisa Jean Ledford Day, her father Green Berry Day, mother Viola Napier Bacon (of Massillon, Ohio), husband, Joseph Palmer Smith Sr., son Ricky Lynn Smith and son Joseph Palmer Smith, Jr.
Barbara had many loving friends and family who will miss her. She passed into the Lord's hands at her granddaughter's home peacefully on November 24, 2020.
Survivors include her son, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Jean Smith of Roswell, NM; daughter-in-law, Debra Ann Smith Cooper, Ada, OK; siblings, Mr. and Mrs. William Denny Day and family of Texas, Patsy Louise Webb, Carolyn Elizabeth Little, Judith (Judy) Ann King and their families of Oklahoma; grandchildren, Debra Jean Smith Cranford and husband Ricky Dale Cranford, Jessica Lynn Palmer Smith, Ricky Robert Smith, Caleb Robert Smith, Tanya Lynne Smith Patterson and husband Andy Patterson and Zachary Austin Smith; great-grandchildren, Megan Nicole Ramsey, Charles Joseph Brooks, Dalton Palmer Ramsey, Chloe Renee Ramsey, Nicholas Dale Cranford, Racheal Lynn Patterson, and Lucas Reed Smith; one great great-grandson, Bentley Cole Ramsey; special family members, James Day, Phyllis Day and their families of Kentucky, Robert Smith of Tennessee, Pattie Ellen Napier Shope of Texas.
Special thank you on behalf of Barbara includes, Criswell Funeral Home, Kindful Hospice and all staff, to include Amber Palmer, Crystal Minor, Shirley Binkley, Sasha Osborn, Chaplin Susan Ayers, Oklahoma DHS, Oklahoma Advantage Program, Katie and Lesley Cobbs, Grandson-in-law, Ricky Dale Cranford; last but not least, Debra Ann Smith Cooper, her daughter-in-law and caretaker, who selflessly put her own health and life on hold to aid in the countless hours both day and long nights tending the needs she required.
Barbara Jean Day Smith
Also known as Nanny
Born November 9, 1936 in Harlan County, Kentucky.
She grew up surrounded by a host of Day uncles and cousins whom she dearly adored, and was raised by her grandmother who was born in 1879, and her father a WW II veteran.
She met the love of her life, Joseph Palmer Smith, Sr. at the local skating rink while he was on leave from the Korean War. They were amazing skaters. In the 1940's they were often televised performing as a couple.
Together they had three sons. After their first child was born, Joe worked in the family coal mines. In the 1950's they moved from Kentucky to New Mexico when jobs were plentiful on Route 66. In Glenreo, a small town that divided Texas and New Mexico, Barbara was the Post Master. She operated the post office by herself along side mothering her 3 youngsters, while Joe worked for a fueling station and later became a Border Patrol Officer. Later, they moved to San Jon, NM where they owned and operated the Smith Café. They had lots of memories there.
After the boys were grown, the couple moved to Roswell, NM where Barbara worked for Sears and Roebuck, retiring after 30 years in top sales and Joe was the store manager at Kmart where he later retired.
As proud parents, their sons, Joe and Bobby joined the military, while their oldest son, Ricky worked the construction of I-40. In 1976 they were heart broken by the loss of their oldest son Ricky.
In 1979, their first grandchild was born, they spoiled her rotten and the rest in history with many more grandchildren to come.
Being raised by her grandmother, Barb was unique in her ability to share interesting stories from the past recanting tales of old Kentucky feuds, pranks, uprisings, moonshine stills, and coal mines.
She loved her children and grandchildren to a fault. She was very protective of her family. If threatened she wouldn't back down without a fight.
If you ever got the privilege to dance with her, you would quickly find yourself floating along the dance floor. Both grace and confidence came natural to her. She was simplistic yet richly elegant, a timeless beauty. When she walked into a room it was impossible to miss her. She was strong in her beliefs, both spiritual and political. She never refrained from what she stood for and who she was as a woman.
She was a proud member of the Order of Eastern Star, representing Joe's position as a Master Mason. Barbara was fluent in the word of God, she studied her scriptures often.
She was preceded in death by her grandmother Louisa Jean Ledford Day, her father Green Berry Day, mother Viola Napier Bacon (of Massillon, Ohio), husband, Joseph Palmer Smith Sr., son Ricky Lynn Smith and son Joseph Palmer Smith, Jr.
Barbara had many loving friends and family who will miss her. She passed into the Lord's hands at her granddaughter's home peacefully on November 24, 2020.
Survivors include her son, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Jean Smith of Roswell, NM; daughter-in-law, Debra Ann Smith Cooper, Ada, OK; siblings, Mr. and Mrs. William Denny Day and family of Texas, Patsy Louise Webb, Carolyn Elizabeth Little, Judith (Judy) Ann King and their families of Oklahoma; grandchildren, Debra Jean Smith Cranford and husband Ricky Dale Cranford, Jessica Lynn Palmer Smith, Ricky Robert Smith, Caleb Robert Smith, Tanya Lynne Smith Patterson and husband Andy Patterson and Zachary Austin Smith; great-grandchildren, Megan Nicole Ramsey, Charles Joseph Brooks, Dalton Palmer Ramsey, Chloe Renee Ramsey, Nicholas Dale Cranford, Racheal Lynn Patterson, and Lucas Reed Smith; one great great-grandson, Bentley Cole Ramsey; special family members, James Day, Phyllis Day and their families of Kentucky, Robert Smith of Tennessee, Pattie Ellen Napier Shope of Texas.
Special thank you on behalf of Barbara includes, Criswell Funeral Home, Kindful Hospice and all staff, to include Amber Palmer, Crystal Minor, Shirley Binkley, Sasha Osborn, Chaplin Susan Ayers, Oklahoma DHS, Oklahoma Advantage Program, Katie and Lesley Cobbs, Grandson-in-law, Ricky Dale Cranford; last but not least, Debra Ann Smith Cooper, her daughter-in-law and caretaker, who selflessly put her own health and life on hold to aid in the countless hours both day and long nights tending the needs she required.
BARBARA'S OBITUARY
Barbara Jean Day Smith
Also known as Nanny
Born November 9, 1936 in Harlan County, Kentucky.
She grew up surrounded by a host of Day uncles and cousins whom she dearly adored, and was raised by her grandmother who was born in 1879, and her father a WW II veteran.
She met the love of her life, Joseph Palmer Smith, Sr. at the local skating rink while he was on leave from the Korean War. They were amazing skaters. In the 1940's they were often televised performing as a couple.
Together they had three sons. After their first child was born, Joe worked in the family coal mines. In the 1950's they moved from Kentucky to New Mexico when jobs were plentiful on Route 66. In Glenreo, a small town that divided Texas and New Mexico, Barbara was the Post Master. She operated the post office by herself along side mothering her 3 youngsters, while Joe worked for a fueling station and later became a Border Patrol Officer. Later, they moved to San Jon, NM where they owned and operated the Smith Café. They had lots of memories there.
After the boys were grown, the couple moved to Roswell, NM where Barbara worked for Sears and Roebuck, retiring after 30 years in top sales and Joe was the store manager at Kmart where he later retired.
As proud parents, their sons, Joe and Bobby joined the military, while their oldest son, Ricky worked the construction of I-40. In 1976 they were heart broken by the loss of their oldest son Ricky.
In 1979, their first grandchild was born, they spoiled her rotten and the rest in history with many more grandchildren to come.
Being raised by her grandmother, Barb was unique in her ability to share interesting stories from the past recanting tales of old Kentucky feuds, pranks, uprisings, moonshine stills, and coal mines.
She loved her children and grandchildren to a fault. She was very protective of her family. If threatened she wouldn't back down without a fight.
If you ever got the privilege to dance with her, you would quickly find yourself floating along the dance floor. Both grace and confidence came natural to her. She was simplistic yet richly elegant, a timeless beauty. When she walked into a room it was impossible to miss her. She was strong in her beliefs, both spiritual and political. She never refrained from what she stood for and who she was as a woman.
She was a proud member of the Order of Eastern Star, representing Joe's position as a Master Mason. Barbara was fluent in the word of God, she studied her scriptures often.
She was preceded in death by her grandmother Louisa Jean Ledford Day, her father Green Berry Day, mother Viola Napier Bacon (of Massillon, Ohio), husband, Joseph Palmer Smith Sr., son Ricky Lynn Smith and son Joseph Palmer Smith, Jr.
Barbara had many loving friends and family who will miss her. She passed into the Lord's hands at her granddaughter's home peacefully on November 24, 2020.
Survivors include her son, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Jean Smith of Roswell, NM; daughter-in-law, Debra Ann Smith Cooper, Ada, OK; siblings, Mr. and Mrs. William Denny Day and family of Texas, Patsy Louise Webb, Carolyn Elizabeth Little, Judith (Judy) Ann King and their families of Oklahoma; grandchildren, Debra Jean Smith Cranford and husband Ricky Dale Cranford, Jessica Lynn Palmer Smith, Ricky Robert Smith, Caleb Robert Smith, Tanya Lynne Smith Patterson and husband Andy Patterson and Zachary Austin Smith; great-grandchildren, Megan Nicole Ramsey, Charles Joseph Brooks, Dalton Palmer Ramsey, Chloe Renee Ramsey, Nicholas Dale Cranford, Racheal Lynn Patterson, and Lucas Reed Smith; one great great-grandson, Bentley Cole Ramsey; special family members, James Day, Phyllis Day and their families of Kentucky, Robert Smith of Tennessee, Pattie Ellen Napier Shope of Texas.
Special thank you on behalf of Barbara includes, Criswell Funeral Home, Kindful Hospice and all staff, to include Amber Palmer, Crystal Minor, Shirley Binkley, Sasha Osborn, Chaplin Susan Ayers, Oklahoma DHS, Oklahoma Advantage Program, Katie and Lesley Cobbs, Grandson-in-law, Ricky Dale Cranford; last but not least, Debra Ann Smith Cooper, her daughter-in-law and caretaker, who selflessly put her own health and life on hold to aid in the countless hours both day and long nights tending the needs she required.
Barbara Jean Day Smith
Also known as Nanny
Born November 9, 1936 in Harlan County, Kentucky.
She grew up surrounded by a host of Day uncles and cousins whom she dearly adored, and was raised by her grandmother who was born in 1879, and her father a WW II veteran.
She met the love of her life, Joseph Palmer Smith, Sr. at the local skating rink while he was on leave from the Korean War. They were amazing skaters. In the 1940's they were often televised performing as a couple.
Together they had three sons. After their first child was born, Joe worked in the family coal mines. In the 1950's they moved from Kentucky to New Mexico when jobs were plentiful on Route 66. In Glenreo, a small town that divided Texas and New Mexico, Barbara was the Post Master. She operated the post office by herself along side mothering her 3 youngsters, while Joe worked for a fueling station and later became a Border Patrol Officer. Later, they moved to San Jon, NM where they owned and operated the Smith Café. They had lots of memories there.
After the boys were grown, the couple moved to Roswell, NM where Barbara worked for Sears and Roebuck, retiring after 30 years in top sales and Joe was the store manager at Kmart where he later retired.
As proud parents, their sons, Joe and Bobby joined the military, while their oldest son, Ricky worked the construction of I-40. In 1976 they were heart broken by the loss of their oldest son Ricky.
In 1979, their first grandchild was born, they spoiled her rotten and the rest in history with many more grandchildren to come.
Being raised by her grandmother, Barb was unique in her ability to share interesting stories from the past recanting tales of old Kentucky feuds, pranks, uprisings, moonshine stills, and coal mines.
She loved her children and grandchildren to a fault. She was very protective of her family. If threatened she wouldn't back down without a fight.
If you ever got the privilege to dance with her, you would quickly find yourself floating along the dance floor. Both grace and confidence came natural to her. She was simplistic yet richly elegant, a timeless beauty. When she walked into a room it was impossible to miss her. She was strong in her beliefs, both spiritual and political. She never refrained from what she stood for and who she was as a woman.
She was a proud member of the Order of Eastern Star, representing Joe's position as a Master Mason. Barbara was fluent in the word of God, she studied her scriptures often.
She was preceded in death by her grandmother Louisa Jean Ledford Day, her father Green Berry Day, mother Viola Napier Bacon (of Massillon, Ohio), husband, Joseph Palmer Smith Sr., son Ricky Lynn Smith and son Joseph Palmer Smith, Jr.
Barbara had many loving friends and family who will miss her. She passed into the Lord's hands at her granddaughter's home peacefully on November 24, 2020.
Survivors include her son, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Jean Smith of Roswell, NM; daughter-in-law, Debra Ann Smith Cooper, Ada, OK; siblings, Mr. and Mrs. William Denny Day and family of Texas, Patsy Louise Webb, Carolyn Elizabeth Little, Judith (Judy) Ann King and their families of Oklahoma; grandchildren, Debra Jean Smith Cranford and husband Ricky Dale Cranford, Jessica Lynn Palmer Smith, Ricky Robert Smith, Caleb Robert Smith, Tanya Lynne Smith Patterson and husband Andy Patterson and Zachary Austin Smith; great-grandchildren, Megan Nicole Ramsey, Charles Joseph Brooks, Dalton Palmer Ramsey, Chloe Renee Ramsey, Nicholas Dale Cranford, Racheal Lynn Patterson, and Lucas Reed Smith; one great great-grandson, Bentley Cole Ramsey; special family members, James Day, Phyllis Day and their families of Kentucky, Robert Smith of Tennessee, Pattie Ellen Napier Shope of Texas.
Special thank you on behalf of Barbara includes, Criswell Funeral Home, Kindful Hospice and all staff, to include Amber Palmer, Crystal Minor, Shirley Binkley, Sasha Osborn, Chaplin Susan Ayers, Oklahoma DHS, Oklahoma Advantage Program, Katie and Lesley Cobbs, Grandson-in-law, Ricky Dale Cranford; last but not least, Debra Ann Smith Cooper, her daughter-in-law and caretaker, who selflessly put her own health and life on hold to aid in the countless hours both day and long nights tending the needs she required.
Gravesite Details
Ashes among her family here. Husband, and two sons as she requested.
Family Members
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
Advertisement
