October 18, 2023
Mrs. Barbara S. Barbour 72, of Whiteville, NC exchanged this life for a home in glory on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, at Columbus Regional Healthcare System, Whiteville, NC. She was the wife of Mr. Coleman D. Barbour. Barbara was the last of the ten children born to the late Mr. James Smith, Sr. and Mrs. Gertrude Reaves Smith. Barbara was raised in Chadbourn, North Carolina where she graduated from West Columbus High School. Barbara then completed her business degree at North Carolina Central University.
Upon returning to the area after finishing her post-secondary studies, she garnered a position with the Columbus County Board of Education, rising to the rank of Assistant Finance Officer, the title she held upon her retirement. Barbara then furthered her service to the community by serving as the Executive Director of the Columbus County Literacy Council, helping to decrease the literacy gap.
On November 25, 1978, she married Coleman David Barbour, starting a wedded life together that spanned more than 44 years and produced two children, Chinaka Ann and David Gerard. She was the most loving wife and exceptional mother her family could have asked for. There was nothing she wouldn’t do for her family and they felt her love them each and every day. Additionally, she was a beloved sister, sister-in-law, and aunt.
Barbara’s life was also full of a strong belief in the power of God and a dedication of serving Him on a daily basis. She was raised in a Christian household and carried her faith with her everywhere she went, eventually settling on Friendship Missionary Baptist Church as her home place to worship. During her life as a servant to the Lord, she took on many duties at Friendship, including Trustees Chair and President of the Missionary Circle. Her longest-held role at Friendship was that of Sunday School teacher where she sought to impart the knowledge of Christ to the high school-aged youth whom attended her classes.
A Celebration of Life Service will be conducted on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, at 11:00am from The Brunswick Waccamaw Baptist Headquarters 600 Pine Log Road, Whiteville, NC with Pastor Algernon McKenzie eulogizing. Burial will follow in the Belvue Cemetery.
Mrs. Barbour is survived by her husband, Mr. Coleman D. Barbour of the home, one daughter, Chinaka A. Barbour of Woodbridge, VA, one son, David G. Barbour of New York, NY, two sisters, Lillian S. White of Whiteville, NC, and Jeanette S. Brown of Gainesville, FL, three brothers, Alvin Smith of Brooklyn, NY, Robert Lee Smith of Lowell, MA, and Jefferson Smith of Wilmington, NC, and a host of family and friends.
A viewing will be held on Monday, October 23, 2023, from 2 to 5pm in The Smith Funeral Home Chapel, and before the service Tuesday from 10 to 11am at The Brunswick Waccamaw Baptist Headquarters.
Facial coverings are requested for the viewing and service. A service of Smith Funeral Home, Inc. of Whiteville, NC.
