02/23/2020
Barbara Elaine Smith, was born on August 24, 1949, in Everson, Pennsylvania.
Her mother, Florence, was a maid and her father, William, a steelworker.
She was raised in the Scottdale area, and attended Southmoreland High School; graduating in 1967.
Smith, professionally known as B. Smith, was a trailblazer for African Americans. Through her success as a fashion model, restaurateur, author, businesswoman and television host for her show "B Smith with Style". She appeared on five covers of Essence magazine and was the first African American model to grace the cover of Mademoiselle. In 2001 she launched her line of merchandise and in 2009 was honored by Black Entertainment Television.
Barbara also remembered her high school, by forming Southmoreland's first Home Economics Club. Mrs. Leafy Jane Curley was the Home Economics instructor at the time, and would beam with pride when Smith's name was mentioned. Many of the school's students had Vogue patterns
of dresses that Smith had modeled. B also donated many of her cookbooks to the school.
In 2014 Smith revealed an Alzheimer's diagnosis, she opened up about living with the disease in a 2016 book, "Before I Forget: Love, Hope, Help, And Acceptance in Our Fight Against Alzheimer's."
Smith's husband confirmed that she passed away Saturday, February 22, 2020 at home. He stated, Heaven is shining even brighter now that it is graced with B.'s dazzling and unforgettable smile."
The Scottdale Historical Society extends our deepest sympathies to B Smith's family and friends. We are proud to list her life's achievements, and to say she is one of our hometown friends.
(Photo courtesy of the Rosen Group)