Ms. Barbara Baptiste was born on March 8, 1951, to the late Author and Willie Mae Smith in Spartanburg County. She was a 1969 graduate of Carver High School. Barbara was of the Baptist faith. She thoroughly enjoyed watching westerns and old school sitcoms, especially Sanford and Son.

She leaves to cherish fond and loving memories to her loving daughter, Lettitia (Cornelius) Stewart; brothers, Author Braxton Smith, Jr., Dwight Smith and Garland Ray Smith all of Spartanburg SC; sister, Brenda Ann Smith of Spartanburg, SC;  aunts, Shirley Harris of New York, Virginia Black of Atlanta, GA, and Lucinda (Ron) Benjamin of Charlotte, NC; grandchildren, Steven McDowell and Jordan Stewart of Spartanburg, SC; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

She was preceded in death, along with her parents, by two brothers, Marion O'Neil Smith and Andre Smith.

On Tuesday, January 25, 2022, Ms. Baptiste passed away peacefully at the Spartanburg Medical Center. Her life and legacy will continue to echo in the hearts and minds of those who loved her.