Barbara Ann Smart Obituary

Barbara Ann Smart, “Bobbie”, 80, of Benton Harbor, passed away November 29, 2024 at her residence.

A Memorial Service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, December 7th, at the General Baptist Church at 3207 E. Euclid in Benton Harbor. Pastor Richard Kiser will preside. Cremation has taken place. Those wishing to share a memory or leave a message for the family may do so at www.duffieldpastrick.com.

Barbara was born July 8, 1944 in Rivervale, Arkansas to Benjamin and Lula Shasteen. Prior to retirement, she had worked many years at Whicomb Towers in St. Joseph in the housekeeping department. Barbara enjoyed collecting tea sets. She was an avid fan of the tv show Gunsmoke which she watched every night with her dog Squirt by her side. She liked to engage her daughter Shannon in playful banter on a daily basis. She also enjoyed spending time with her daughter Sheila and son-in-law David, whether it be going on fall rides, trips to the zoo, or laughing together while watching Frasier on tv. Barbara was an avid bird watcher and hummingbirds were her favorite. She always looked forward to spending time with her great-grandchildren Bryson and Brody.

Barbara is survived by two daughters, Sheila (David) Stroup of Dowagiac and Shannon (Michael) Garey of Benton Harbor; six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ben and Lula Shasteen, her daughter Lisa Franklin, son-in-law Steve Franklin, a grandson Kyle, eight brothers and sisters, and her dog Minnie.