Barbara Smith Dobbs

Barbara Jane Smith Dobbs, 76, of Charlotte, peacefully embarked on her journey to eternal peace with Jesus our Savior on October 24, 2023, at 4:30 pm, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on April 27, 1947, to James Hiawatha Smith and Pauline Gibbs Smith, Barbara's faith-filled life was marked by numerous cherished moments. She was baptized at Durham Memorial Baptist Church and lent her beautiful voice to the church choir. Barbara proudly graduated from Harding High School in 1965. She sealed her high school romance by marrying her sweetheart, Robert L. Dobbs, Jr., on Christmas Day in 1965, after which she joined him in Texas while he served in the Army.

Barbara began her professional journey at Belk Corporate before pursuing her real estate license in 1978. She later joined her husband at CBS Realty. In 1983, she embarked on a new chapter of her career with Union Carbide, which later transitioned into National Welders and eventually Airgas. Barbara held several esteemed positions, including her role as the assistant to CEO Erroll Sult. Her deep affection for the Turner family, with whom she worked, remained constant even long after her retirement. Barbara retired in 2013, concluding a remarkable 30-year journey with Airgas.

A devout Christian, Barbara's love for the Lord shone through her daily rituals, including reading her Bible and various devotionals. She took great joy in sharing these spiritual insights with her children, grandchildren, and friends through text messages and emails. An avid gardener, Barbara possessed a unique gift for reviving plants and flowers that her daughters believed were beyond help.

Barbara is survived by her devoted daughters, Robin Benjamin (Walter) and Karyn Love (John), along with her four beloved grandchildren: Joshua Sullivan (Wanda), Chelsea Simelton (Jeremiah), Jackson Benjamin (Morgan), and Roxie Jane Love. She leaves behind great-grandchildren Grace Simelton, Ezekiel Sullivan, and Violet Jane Simelton, who arrived just 36 hours before Barbara's journey to her eternal home. This timely blessing from God provided solace and hope to her family during a challenging time.

Barbara is also survived by her sister-in-laws, Catherine Smith of Matthews and Krystyna Smith of Wilson, her nephew Michael C. Smith (Rhonda) of Raleigh, nieces Becky Bailey (Matthews), Kathy Barton (Jon) of Davidson, Tina Kent (Jim) of Sunset Beach, as well as cousins and extended family members who held special places in her heart.

In the embrace of eternity, Barbara reunites with her parents, James and Pauline Smith, her father-in-law Robert L. Dobbs, Sr., her beloved husband Robert L. Dobbs, Jr., her brothers Harry Smith and James Curtis Smith, her mother-in-law Joyce Dobbs, sister-in-law Linda Montgomery, and cousins who have gone before her.

A Celebration of Life in honor of Barbara will be held on Saturday, November 18th, at 1:30 pm at Central Church, 5301 Sardis Road, Charlotte, NC 28270, in Weatherby Hall. Following the service, there will be a reception at Red Rocks Cafe, 4223-8 Providence Road, Charlotte, NC 28211. Barbara's interment is scheduled for Tuesday, November 21st, at 1 pm at Forest Lawn West, 4601 Freedom Drive, Charlotte, NC 28208.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that you consider making memorials to organizations close to Barbara's heart, including Samaritan's Purse (www.samaritanspurse.org), Hospice of Charlotte (www.viahp.org), Providence Home (www.providencehomenc.org), and the International Fellowship of Christian and Jews (www.ifcj.org). Contributions to Central Church (www.centralnc.org) are also appreciated. Barbara's legacy of faith and love will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.