Barbara Jean Smith, a longtime resident of Montclair who was active in community organizations and formerly headed the affirmative action office in Essex County, died on April 19, 2025. She was 90.
Mrs. Smith was born in 1934 in Camden, the daughter of Samuel and Evelyn Singleton. She married her childhood sweetheart, Alvin L. Smith Jr., and together they built a life rooted in love, family and service. In the 1950s, they moved to northern New Jersey, eventually settling in Montclair, where they raised their family and lived for more than 65 years.
While nurturing her growing family, Mrs. Smith remained involved in her community by serving on school PTAs and as den mother for both her sons’ Cub Scout troops.
Her passion for civic engagement led her to become the vice chairwoman of the Montclair Democratic Committee and a neighborhood district leader for several years. She also served as a legislative aide for state Sen. Wynona Lipman, and in 1984, she was appointed by county executive Peter Shapiro to head the Essex County Office of Affirmative Action.
Mrs. Smith retired a decade later, having made an impact through her dedication to equity and public service.
In 1999, her community chose her to be the grand marshal for the Montclair African American Heritage Parade. She also served on the board of the Montclair Child Development Center.
Mrs. Smith was a great cook, and her true joy was hosting family gatherings. Her legendary turkey gravy, Easter leg of lamb, and homemade soups brought generations together around the table. After retirement, some of her happiest moments were spent caring for her grandchildren and making their class treats.
She is survived by her children, Robert, Deborah, Sandra and Merri; brother, Willie (Cynthia); sister, Antoinette; daughter-in-law, Dolores; sister-in-law, Charlotte, who cared for her in her last years, and sister-in-law Letitia; brothers-in-law, Walter and William (Beverly); grandchildren, Robert Jr., Wayne, Tera, Maurice, Jennifer, Dwayne, Lonnie Jr., Maya, Taylor, Tara and Sias, and numerous great-grandchildren, cousins, nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Smith was predeceased by her beloved husband, Alvin L. Smith Jr.; mother and stepfather, Evelyn and Willie Trotter; daughter, Althea L. Cogmon, and son, Alvin L. Smith III.
Services were private. Arrangements were made by Martin’s Home for Service, 48 Elm St.
R.I.P.