Barbara Kay Smith-Shepard

Barbara Kay Smith-Shepard of Turkey, Texas, passed away on Friday, May 22, 2026 after a brave battle with terminal cancer, with her daughters by her side. 

Barbara was born on September 7, 1959 in Tulia, Texas to Kenneth Wayne McDowell and Nelda Lucille McKay.

Barbara was the kind of person who never met a stranger. Her heart was always open, and she found joy in helping others whenever she could. Whether she was cooking a warm meal, opening her home to someone in need, or simply sitting down to listen, Barbara made people feel loved, valued, and welcome. 

She cherished the time she spent camping with her family, laughing with friends, and enjoying peaceful days on the family farm in Turkey, Texas. Barbara had a passion for thrift and antique shopping, always on the lookout for unique treasures that carried a story and brought character to her home. 

One of Barbara’s greatest joys was decorating for Christmas. She loved filling her home with the beauty, warmth, and magic of the season, creating special memories for those she loved. In the process of moving from North Richland Hills to Turkey, Texas last year, her girls must have come across 50 totes of Christmas decorations. It became a little inside joke as things were being sorted and they’d continue to find more, they’d say "Oh! Another tote of Christmas decorations." and add it to the stack. 

Barbara was also a devoted daughter who lovingly cared for her mother, demonstrating the same selfless compassion that she showed everyone throughout her life.

More than anything, Barbara will be remembered for her generous spirit, her unwavering kindness, and the love she shared so freely with family, friends, and even strangers. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched, and she will be deeply missed and forever cherished. 

Barbara is preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth Wayne McDowell and Nelda Lucille McKay; daughter, Cene’a Diane Smith Boykin; and numerous aunts and uncles. 

Those left behind to cherish her memory are her daughters, Lacey Scroggins & Tyson Scroggins, Jacklyn Smith & Evan Cunningham, Sydney Smith;  former spouse and father of her children, Luther Wayman Smith; sister, Oleta McKay; brother, Jerry McDowell; grandchildren, Kaiden Smith, Braylen Boykin, Sutton Boykin, Halle Scroggins, Madeline Cunningham, Mason Traversie, Jayce Cunningham; five aunts; two uncles, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members and loving friends.