Barbara Jean Smith-Franklin

Barbara Jean Smith-Franklin was born on January 14, 1941, in the small town of Hattieville, Arkansas. She was the second of five children born to J.D. and Ollie Smith. Barbara departed this life on December 21, 2017. Barbara?s parents relocated to Kansas City, Missouri in 1950. She attended Kansas City schools, ultimately graduating from Lincoln High School in 1961. She worked in the nursing profession at the old St. Joseph?s Hospital off Linwood and Prospect. While performing her duties, she met a patient by the name of Gus Franklin in 1966. They were married in 1967, and she bore four children, Janet, Candace Gaines (Dennis), Gus III, and Mari Woodring (Jeff). Her ability to actively listen without judgment made her an excellent pastor?s wife. She was a devout Christian, and was initially led to the Lord by her beloved maternal grandfather. She supported her husband during numerous mission trips to the Navajo Indian Reservation and on church-building projects in El Salvador. During her six trips to Central America, her size and personality made her a favorite of the local people. In fact, many mistook her for one of their own. This once caused a delay in a return flight until her passport was displayed. Barbara was very quiet and soft spoken, but could light up a room with her smile. She had a way of counseling and encouraging others, that made her a magnet to those who were troubled. Barbara loved and devoted her life to her husband, children, and church family. Her husband often attempted to explain to church audiences her quiet ways until told by a member, ?She says more with her simple smile than you do with all your words.? Barbara Jean Smith-Franklin is survived and cherished by her husband of nearly fifty-one years, Gus; three daughters: Janet, Candace, and Mari; a son, Gus; her only surviving sibling, Juanita Wroten; children of a different mother include sons, Kevin and Brian (deceased); and daughters: Lezah, Margo, and Kerri (Doochie); she will be missed by twenty-three grandchildren; nineteen great-grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter. Funeral Service for Barbara Jean Smith-Franklin will be held Saturday, December 30, 11:00 a.m. at Sheffield Family Life Center, 5700 Winner Road. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at the Church. Interment, Brooking Cemetery.

Barbara Jean Smith-Franklin

January 14, 1941 - December 21, 2017