Barbara Jean Smith Williams Boyd

Barbara Jean Smith Williams Boyd was born on September 12, 1949, to Mamie and Edward Smith in Worden, Illinois. She peacefully entered into rest on May 26, 2025, at the age of 75. Visitation will be held at Kilpatrick’s Rose-Neath Southside, located at 2500 Southside Drive, Shreveport, LA, on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. The funeral service is scheduled for Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the same location. Interment will follow at 12:30 p.m. at Northwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery, located at 7970 Mike Clark Road, Keithville, LA, where she will be laid to rest with her late husband.

Barbara married her first husband in 1968 and moved to Shreveport, Louisiana, where she became a dedicated mother. She embraced motherhood with unwavering commitment to her two children, prioritizing their upbringing and shaping their lives with love and purpose. Once her children reached high school, Barbara began working outside the home at LSUMC on the labor and delivery floor, later transferring to the trauma hall of the emergency room, where she spent many years working nights as a ward clerk. Medical personnel and first responders affectionately knew her as “Ms. Barbara” or “Ms. B.” One first responder shared, “I probably brought thousands of patients to her over the years. She welcomed each one, whether it was the first or the tenth of the night. Your mom was a light in a very dark world.”

Barbara was a talented cook, expressing her love by baking birthday cakes for others. Her co-workers, as well as firemen and police officers, became part of her extended family. She took great care in planning and cooking Thanksgiving feasts for the Central Fire Station in downtown Shreveport on several occasions. Barbara had a special love for the “I’m Still Me” Burn Camp, where she served as a camp counselor and eventually as Director for several years.

In her career, Barbara was later recruited to work for Dr. Michael Banda and Dr. James Howell, dedicating two decades to a job she cherished. In a beautiful chapter of her life, she married Edward Boyd, her soulmate, and gained a bonus daughter. Together, Barbara and Edward served the Lord for twenty years through missions and as TLC marriage mentors, hosting many couples for Bible studies in their home. They also enjoyed cheering on the New Orleans Saints as avid fans. After retiring, she quickly returned to work, dedicating two joyful years at Shriners Children’s Hospital. Barbara also embraced the role of a greeter at Life United (formerly Word of Life), where she genuinely connected with everyone she met.

Her legacy is marked by the love she leaves behind. She was preceded in death by her parents, her adoring husband, Edward; one brother, Danny Smith; one niece, Nikki Burnett; and many other loved ones. Barbara is survived by her son, Curtis Bryan Williams (Kassie); her daughters, Tammy Williams Kennedy and her husband, Todd; and Melody Boyd-Cortinas and her husband, Tony. Her grandchildren include Justin Kennedy (Bill), Caleb Kennedy (Drew), Lauren Kennedy, Tyler Kennedy (Savana), Olen Kennedy, Marc Anthony Christian Avila, Halee Boyd, and Jeremiah Malik Cortinas. Her great-grandchildren brought her immense joy: Allie Jo Birmingham, Tinsley Kennedy, Wesley Kennedy, Mila Kennedy, Gentry Kennedy, and Ellie Mae Kennedy. She is also survived by her sisters, Sharon Smith Riepshoff (Glenn), Judy Smith Garcie, and Jane Smith Hamilton; her special niece, Angie Burnett Wilson; and her dear friend, Frances Ates, who faithfully drove her to church over the last year; along with numerous other nieces, nephews, and a host of special friends and church family.

The family extends a heartfelt thanks to the caregivers who surrounded her with love during her final days, especially the staff at DeSoto Retirement and Rehab, with special mention of Danielle, Holly, Sabrina, and Charlotte; the staff at Superior Hospice, including Terry, Viola, Brittany, and Shanna; and Nurse Practitioner, Naishia Pipkins. Your dedication is truly honorable, and we are immensely grateful for your compassionate care.

Pallbearers will include Justin Kennedy, Caleb Kennedy, Tyler Kennedy, Olen Kennedy, Todd Kennedy, and Tony Cortinas.

Barbara believed that the foundation of every relationship is love. In John 13:34-35, Jesus said, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.”

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a small contribution in her memory to the “I’m Still Me” Burn Camp at https://www.campimstillme.org/barbara-boyd-donations, where they provide young burn survivors with a week of fun, friendship, and healing at no cost to their families.