01/26/2026
Barbara Jean (Jeannie) Smith, 73, of Ellisville, MS, passed away peacefully at her home on January 23, 2026, surrounded by her family and friends. Born on December 23, 1952, in Philadelphia, MS, Barbara was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who cherished her family above all else.
Barbara was the beloved wife of Ellis Smith for 55 years and a loving mother to her children, Tabatha Cunningham, Robert Smith, and Jennifer Crews. She was predeceased by her parents, Prentiss and Betty Hood, her sister Martha (Susie) Montgomery, and her daughter Tabatha Cunningham.
She is survived by her husband Ellis Smith, her son Robert Smith and his partner Regina Miller, her daughter Jennifer Crews, and her grandchildren Michael (Doogie) Parker and his wife Casey, Bethany Miller Patterson and her husband Ethan, David (DD) Cunningham and his wife Secilia-CC, Johnathan (Jon Jon) Parker and his girlfriend Tasha, and Jeanine Boobar and her husband Bradley. Barbara also leaves behind her great-grandchildren Paisley Parker, Lainey Parker, Isabella Beech, Dawson Cunningham, Dayton Cunningham, Tabitha Parker, and Nadia Boobar. Her brothers Jurgen Monkemeyer, Prentiss (Bubba) Hood and wife Glenda, Frank Hood and his wife Bobbie, and Billy Hood and his wife Jackie, along with a host of nieces and nephews, also survive her.
Barbara graduated from Acadia High in Louisiana and went on to attend Jones Junior College, where she became a Licensed Practical Nurse. She dedicated over 25 years to working at the Ellisville State School and held various part-time positions in the community, including at the Ellisville Elementary Cafeteria, the State Hospital in Laurel, MS, and the Ellisville Hospital in Ellisville, MS.
Barbara was known for her love of shopping, camping, cooking, and her passion for arts and crafts. She enjoyed participating in Wagon Train Trail Rides and cherished the time spent with her family and friends, especially during her favorite time of year, Christmas.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Ellisville Funeral Home, 1204 B Ave, Ellisville, Mississippi. Funeral services will take place on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at 11:00 AM at the same location, with burial to follow at New Hope Baptist Church in Ellisville, Mississippi. Bro. Kenny Smith and Bro. Bill Harper will officiate the services.
Barbara's family and friends will gather to celebrate her life and bid her farewell, remembering her as the loving and caring person she was.
In Lieu of Flowers Barbara asked that rather than flowers she asked for donations to Rose Of Sharon Baptist Church 226 Stevenson Rd Laurel MS 39443 where she attended church and her Brother in Law Brother Kenny Smith is Pastor. Any flowers sent will be appreciated.
Pallbearers will include: Michael Parker, Johnathan Parker, David Cunningham, Johnathan Hilbun, Thomas Hood, Michael Montgomery.
Honorary Pallbearers will include: Dougie Landrum, Chris Mculiffe,