Barbara J Smith

Barbara Jean Smith born on June 29, 1934, in Camden, New Jersey was the cherished daughter of Samuel and Evelyn Singleton.  She married her childhood sweetheart, Alvin L. Smith Jr. and together they built a life rooted in love, family, and service.   In the 1950’s, they moved to northern New Jersey eventually settling in Montclair, where they raised their family and lived for over 65 years.  While nurturing her growing family, Barbara remained involved in her community by serving on school PTAs and as den mother for both her son’s cub scout troops.

Barbara’s passion for civic engagement led her to become the Vice Chairwoman of the Montclair Democratic Committee and a neighborhood District Leader for several years. She also served as a legislative aide for state Senator Wynona Lipman and in 1984, she was appointed to head the Essex County Office of Affirmative Action by County Executive Peter Shapiro.   She retired a decade later, having left a lasting impact through her dedication to equity and public service. In 1999, she was chosen by her community to be a Grand Marshall for the Montclair African American Heritage Parade. She also gave her time and love to the Montclair Child Development Center as a board member.

Barbara was a great cook, and her true joy was hosting family gatherings. Her legendary turkey gravy, Easter leg of lamb, and homemade soups brought generations together around the table.  After retirement, some of her happiest moments were spent caring for her grandchildren and making their class treats.

Barbara was preceded in death by her beloved husband Alvin L. Smith Jr.; her mother and stepfather, Evelyn and Willie Trotter; her daughter Althea L. Cogmon; and her son Alvin L. Smith III.  Left to cherish her memory are her remaining children Robert, Deborah, Sandra, and Merri; her brother Willie (Cynthia); her sister Antoinette; her daughter-in-law Dolores; her devoted sister-in-law Charlotte who cared for her in her last years; her sister-in-law Letitia; her brothers-in-law Walter and William (Beverly); her grandchildren Robert Jr., Wayne, Tera, Maurice, Jennifer, Dwayne, Lonnie Jr., Maya, Taylor, Tara and Sias; and a host of great-grandchildren, cousins, nieces and nephews.  She will be dearly missed and forever remembered.

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