Barbara Anne Smith, 71, of Athens, Tx. will be celebrated on Tuesday, March 2, 2021 at Williams Cemetery in New Chapel Hill. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. and the services will proceed at 10:30 a.m. 

 Barbara was born on June 18, 1949 in Overton, Texas and fell into her eternal rest on February

24, 2021. She is preceded in death by her parents William and Ima Dee Shanklin, stepmother

Doris Jean, sister Frances Shanklin as well as many loved family and friends. She is survived by her 2 sisters, Billie Rich of Austin, and Karen Beasley of Tyler. She also has 4 children and their spouses, Billy and Tatiana Smith of Plano, Debra and David Cassady of Whitehouse, Steven and Tina Smith of Huntsville, and Shelly and Rodney Lamb of Athens. Barbara also has 8 grandchildren, Nikolay Bourov, Darian and her husband Denis Moreira, Dreaux and her husband Rawlin Berry, Danika Cassady, Danielle Cassady, Landon Lamb, Bryson Lamb and Denise Smith. She also has 2 great grandchildren and one more on the way. 

 Barbara will be remembered for her wild and carefree spirit, her quick wit and exaggerated sarcasm. She always had a lighthearted soul that radiated love to all she encountered. She had a way of listening, hanging on and consuming every word spoken with her and always ensured to have a response that was well thought and helpful. She was not only a sister, mother, and Nana but also a friend. She spent her days either playing crossword puzzles, writing down recipes, ensuring all family members knew the weather forecast for every minute of the day and keeping up to date on what her loved ones were up to. Barbara radiated any room she entered and yet found a way to brighten it even more than imagined by her smile and infectious laugh. She was always present to any event and made sure to support all the dreams of her loved ones. She was perfect beyond measure because she was herself unapologetically. She loved worshipping at Shiloh Road Church of Christ and would close her eyes and absorb the worship songs into her every fiber of her being. Barbara will be dearly missed; however, her family and friends know that this is not the end, we will meet her again when there are no tears and sorrows in Heaven and will embrace one another with glad and rejoicing spirits. Even though Barbara is not here in the flesh she will forever remain in the hearts and memories of all who hold her dear. While Heaven does not work with currency, she is still the richest woman because she is loved beyond comprehension. 

 Farewell dear Nana, until we meet again.