Uncrowned Community Builders

Barbara Jean Daniels Smith was born on December 18, 1938 in Niagara Falls, NY to John Daniels and Anne Lee (Guest) Daniels, originally from Cayce, South Carolina. The youngest of eleven siblings, she was also the family historian.

In her childhood, Barbara and her two nieces (Joan Daniels and Gloria Daniels) were known as the Daniels Sisters and performed dance routines throughout the Western New York area.

Ms. Smith graduated from Buffalo State University, earning bachelor's and Masters degrees in Education. Teaching in Niagara Falls City schools for 42 years, she remained an advocate for children and public education throughout her life, having touched the lives of literally hundreds of school children. Barbara was a Life Member of the NAACP, having involved herself in the struggle for civil rights her entire life. She was also a proud activist member of the New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) and attended three Democratic National Conventions as alternate or delegate.

Barbara served on the Steward's Board of her beloved Saint John African Methodist Episcopal Church, supervised Children's Church and Young People's Division (YPD), worked with their Vacation Bible School for years, and participated in many other church related activities. She also served as a member of the board for the Niagara Falls Public Library.

Barbara has one son, James Durrie Smith of Niagara Falls, NY.