Barbara A. Swindell

Barbara Ann was born in Bryan, Texas to the parents of James Henry Smiley and Rosa Marie Smiley in 1947. Although she had no brothers and sisters, she had uncles who were there to enjoy and to help raise her and influence her in her life. She graduated high school and attended college at Prairie View University.

She accepted Christ, at an early age, and followed in her mother, Rosa Marie Smiley’s, footsteps to the Shiloh Baptist Church in Bryan, Texas. Rosa was a good singer but soon it would be known that lil’ Barbara could “sang”. Little did anyone know that this revelation would help her in her church home later in life.

In her twenties, she went on a trip to California to visit her Uncles, Jesse and Johnny, who were in the United States Navy...Uncle Jesse and Uncle Johnny had a special guy they wanted her to meet. That young man just happened to be on an Air-Craft Carrier with Uncle Jesse overseas earlier and his name was Jimmie Weakley.

Barbara Ann was smitten with, who everyone called back home called “Lil Jimmie”, and the rest is history…
She left mom and the rest of the family back home and moved to Nashville, Tennessee. Soon after...Here comes sons: Kevin, then Craig, and a little while later...Out pops Reggie!

Of course when someone is raised in the church and moves to a new city then they begin to look for a church home. She was blessed enough to be guided to New Hope Missionary Baptist Church by some of the family members of her new husband and her legacy and dedication to New Hope was born. The little girl who could sing at Shiloh, brought those same talents to New Hope Baptist Church Choir where she sang for the Lord and established friendships and memories for over 40 years! Actively Participating in the following auxillaries:

Missionary Circle, New Hope Mass Choir, Mother’s Ministry, Finance Committee, Angels trio

Volunteer State Mass Choir (Singing with her dedicated son Reggie)

For a considerable amount of time Barbara was a single mother...BUT SHE DID IT!
Working 2 jobs. SHE DID IT! Working for the Federal Government in the day time and Castner Knott at night. SHE DID IT! Taking kids to football practices and baseball practices and other activities. SHE DID IT!
Raising 3 Boys who loved to eat. SHE DID IT! All 3 graduating High School and graduating college.

Ms. Barbara married later in life to Jerry Garfield Swindell…

She leaves an enormous legacy: 3 sons, Kevin (Esperanza), Craig (Charlaine), and Reginald. 12 Grandkids: Brianna Elizabeth, Alyssa Ann Marie, Aliyah Reign, Kevin Brian Jr., Brisseis Emalai, Jayden Ajani, Elijah Darey, Jacob Ajani, Yoari, Jacquelyn, Lupita, Reece 5 Great Grandchildren: De’Ariana Brielle, Serinity Nevaeh, Wesley, Ketziah, Adelaine – Very Close Friend Blanche (William Watson) Three devoted uncles Jesse, Johnny (Barbara), and Leroy, other family members and friends throughout the country. Lastly the Turner Family for their church leadership and the New Hope Missionary Baptist Church Family and their dedication to God and his flock. Special acknowledgement to the Choir...Each and every one of you, past and present, brought JOY into her life!