Barbara Jane Bonner Smith, 87, of Decatur, Alabama, passed away peacefully at home on September 26, 2023.
Mrs. Smith was born on December 5, 1935, in rural Lawrence County, Tennessee to the late Willie Lake and Flora Bass Bonner. In 1954, she married her husband of 69 years, Jimmy Dean, and he survives. Together they relocated to Decatur, Alabama and began a family. Barbara joined Jimmy in the opening of Jimmy Smith Jewelers in 1973, becoming a Registered Bridal Consultant when the store expanded to include a bridal department. Barbara was highly valued and loved by many in this role, as well as in her many volunteer roles with PACT, Decatur Charity League, Decatur Christian Women’s Club, Decatur Assembly, Community Bible Study, and Hospice of the Valley. She had a generous heart, a sweet spirit, an appreciation for humor, and a listening ear to those who she was around.
Barbara grew up in the Methodist church, was a member of Austinville Church of God in the years she was raising her family, and then became a member of First United Methodist Church of Decatur in the latter years of her life.
In addition to Jimmy, she will be missed by children Sheron “Lynn” (Daniel) Masters of West Monroe, LA, Jimmy Ray (Wendy) Smith, Rebecca “Karen” Smith Watts, and Robert “Robby” Smith all of Decatur, AL; eleven grandchildren, Melissa Masters, Bethany (Austin) Lucari, Caleb (Lauren) Masters, Abigail Masters, Nathaniel Masters, Jimmy “Tyler” (Michelle) Smith, Anna Smith (Nic) Walton, Christian (Kathryn) Smith, Charles “Brent” Watts, Jonathan (Nikki) Watts, Alexandra Smith; and 9 great-grandchildren, along with sisters Ruth Nix of Lawrenceburg, TN, Rebecca (John) Sharp of Etheridge, TN, brother Ernest “Wayne” (Charlie) Bonner of Huntsville, AL, sister in law Janice (Doug) Doggett of Cullman AL, and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, preceding her in death are infant son John “Keith” Smith, brothers Grant, William, Vernon “Klyce”, Allison “Loye”, Floyd Thomas, and Jerry Bonner, and sister Zella Dworkin.
The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Ms. Carlin Rains and Hospice of the Valley for the loving care provided in the most recent season of Barbara’s life.
Pallbearers are her grandsons, and honorary pallbearers are her granddaughters.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Hospice of the Valley and PACT. The service will be held on Saturday, September 30, 2023, at 11:00 am at First United Methodist Church in Decatur, Alabama with son-in-law: Rev. Dan Masters and Rev. Alex Beaube officiating. A private graveside service will follow. No visitation is scheduled but the family will host a celebration of life at Burningtree Country Club at 2:00 pm. Peck Funeral Home is managing the arrangements.
In Remembrance of Barbara, Jimmy Smith Jeweler’s will be closed on Saturday for her services.
