Barbara Jean (Boykin) Smith

It is with heavy, and solemn hearts the members of the Smith Family announce the passing of their mother and grandmother Barbara Boykin Smith, age 75 on April 10, 2022. Born on July 22, 1946 in Darlington, South Carolina, Barbara was the daughter to the late Whitaker and Janet Watford Boykin. Barbara enjoyed a childhood spent with her younger siblings Jerry, Larry, and Laura and she was a 1964 graduate of St John’s High School, in Darlington. At the age of 15, Barbara met the love of her life, Felix. They were married in 1967 and shared forty-six years together.

Over her lifetime she created her proudest accomplishments, two daughters and later three grandsons. Barbara was a loving, devoted wife and mother who always put her family before all else. She was an equally committed and driven employee, retiring from La-Z-Boy in Florence, SC with over 30 years of service. She was also the proud co-owner of Smith’s Exxon & Towing in Darlington, for over three decades. Later in life, Barbara relished in the joys of being a grandmother to her three grandsons Alex, Trystan and Fenix. She loved spoiling them and took pride in teaching them the importance of being a kind person, treating others with love and respect, and how to face adversity with a good attitude. She was known as an excellent cook, and always made sure there was extra just in case someone popped by at dinnertime. This happened often, and she loved when it did. Although she’s gone, Barbara’s legacy will live on for years to come. To her family, there was never an asking too big or a sacrifice too great. She demonstrated selflessness and love that was immeasurable in every sense of the word. Everyone who knew her knew that she loved with a full heart always, and would drop whatever she was doing to help anyone. The compassion she displayed never once came from a place of self-gain, but from the true, utmost kindness of her giving heart. To say she will be gravely missed by all who knew her would be an understatement, but luckily the love she shared in her life touched so many, and will not be soon forgotten. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, and her husband Felix Edward Smith Jr. of Darlington.

She is survived by her daughters Cassandra (Patrick) Smith-Elliott of Florence, and Felicia Smith of Darlington; grandsons, Alexander Smith and Trystan Elliott of Florence, Fenix Austin of Darlington; brothers, Jerry (Lita) Boykin of Waycross, Georgia, Larry (Cheryl) Boykin of Darlington; sister, Laura (Tommy) Morris of Darlington; numerous nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews, and her very special fur baby, Bella.

Visitation will be held at Belk Funeral Home, Darlington, SC; Wednesday, April 13th 6pm - 8pm. All other times at the home of her daughter and son-in-law Patrick and Cassandra Elliott, 4173 Rodanthe Circle, Florence, SC 29501. A private memorial will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her honor to the Darlington County Humane Society, PO Box 503 Darlington, SC 29540.

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