Barbara J. Smith

Barbara Jean (Nubia) Smith was born to Herman and Gertrude Nubia on June 1, 1937. She was the fourth of five children born into this union. She was educated in the public schools of Nashville, Tennessee. At an early age, she professed her faith in Jesus Christ.

Barbara's kindness and joy were gifts that touched everyone around her. Outside her biological children, she had many children she claimed as her own. Because of her love for children, she owned and operated a private daycare home for many years.

Barbara quietly departed this life on April 8, 2026 after a brief illness. She is preceded in death by her parents, Herman and Gertrude Nubia; siblings, Harold Nubia, Evelyn Jobe, and Gwendolyn Smith; son, Carlos Abernathy and grandson, Christopher Cartmell.

Her beautiful life will forever be cherished in the lives of her brother, Donald (Renee) Nubia of Las Vegas, Nevada; daughters, Guenell "aka Gwen" Cartmell, Tammie (Tommy) Johnson; son, Donnell (Joyce) Abernathy; grandchildren, Chonte' (Phillip) Frazier, Sharee Abernathy, Chandra (Stanley) Burdine, Charles Cartmell V, Stephanie Jones, Darcell Tolliver, Chalonda (Justin) Hudson, Donnell Abernathy, Jr., Tamia (Stephon) Chambliss; God daughter, Cindy Jones; numerous great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren, and many beloved relatives and friends.