Funeral Service Live Stream:
Events
The Funeral Liturgy will take place on Friday, June 21, 2024 starting 12:30PM EDT at the McGuire Funeral Home, located at 7400 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20012. For those unable to attend the service in-person, you can participate remotely by viewing the live stream of the service (please scroll up to see the video).
The Rite of Committal (Interment) will take place Saturday, June 22, 2024 starting 12:00PM EDT at St. Paul’s Rock Creek Cemetery, located at 201 Allison Street, NW, Washington, DC 20011.
Order of Service
Obituary
Barbara Anita Stroud Gregory Smith, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully at her home in Kensington, MD on June 10, 2024, after a period of declining health. She was 87 years old. Born on January 15, 1937, in Washington, DC, she was the daughter of Joseph Gans Stroud of Durham, NC, and Tillar Vernell Bowman Holt of Newbury, SC.
Barbara attended Dunbar High School in Washington, DC, graduating in 1954. She furthered her education at the University of Maryland, University College, and obtained a certificate in accounting. In her youth, she studied classical and modern ballet, performing in local venues throughout Washington, DC. She converted to Catholicism in her late teenage years and remained a faithful Catholic during her life.
She first married Fleming Bernard Gregory on October 6, 1957, and later married Nathaniel Donald Smith on December 31, 1978. Both husbands preceded her in death.
Barbara had a distinguished career, working for Pepco and the Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration (ETA), Grants Management section, as an accountant. She retired from the Department of Labor in January 1995, after 34 years of dedicated service.
She raised three successful children as a single mom: a daughter who is an attorney and CPA; a son who is a retired US Navy Chief Petty Officer; and her younger son who founded and manages an investment advisory firm. She took immense pride in the recent accomplishment of her youngest granddaughter who graduated from Johns Hopkins University with a doctoral degree in physical chemistry.
Barbara loved adventure and experiencing different cultures. She traveled throughout the US, including Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands, and to countries such as Canada, France, Italy, England, Scotland, Switzerland, and Guyana.
In her retirement, Barbara remained active, working with the Scientists Center for Animal Welfare (SCAW) and serving as President of the Phase-I Condominium Board at Greenbriar Condominiums. She also worked as a notary public and estate documents witness for her daughter’s law office, and as a newsletter editor for both the National Active and Retired Federal Employees (NARFE) and the Riderwood African American History Club. She also vacationed with family and friends.
Barbara enjoyed various hobbies, for example, completing The Washington Post crossword puzzles and playing Solitaire or Slots on her Apple iPad. She also loved playing board games like Bingo and Rummikub, and card games such as Kings in the Corner with other residents of the Riderwood and Modena Reserve senior living communities. Her favorite TV shows included the game shows Family Feud, Wheel of Fortune, The $100,000 Pyramid, America Says, and Jeopardy, as well as the court show Judge Judy.
Barbara was a people person who cherished her connections to family and friends. Her preferred methods of communication were emails, text messages, and telephone calls. Well into her eighties, she embraced learning the latest technology platforms. She used her iPad, iPhone, and the Siri-assisted calling feature on her Apple Watch to stay in touch. Barbara was considered by many as the central communications hub for family and friends.
Generous with her time, Barbara provided a shoulder to cry on, a listening ear, and words of encouragement at just the right moment or insights into another point of view. She helped others to feel good about themselves, and her keen sense of humor always lifted spirits.
Barbara leaves behind her children, Tillena Gregory Clark (Gregory), Fleming Bernard Gregory II (Maxine-deceased), and Glenn Anthony Gregory (LaShaun); grandchildren, Clylisha “Keisha” Hunter, Phillip Gregory (Ariel), Phyllisha Gregory, Tylar Clark- Winters (Alfonso), and Jennar Gregory; and seven great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her nephew, Aner Lawrence Autry; niece, India Maria Autry; devoted first cousin, Sheila Thompson Washington; and many extended family members and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Ingrid Holt Autry.
Barbara’s life was one of dedication, love, and service to her family and community. Barbara was a constant and reliable friend. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to Montgomery Hospice, Inc., in memory of Barbara S. Smith, at https://montgomeryhospice.org/donate-now/.