Dr. Barbara Smith

With heartfelt sorrow, we share this tribute to Dr. Barbara Smith, pioneering founder and beloved coach of Longwood University Women's Golf, beloved Aunt and true friend, whose remarkable life and legacy continue to inspire far beyond the fairways.

Dr. Barbara Smith, founding head coach of Longwood University’s Women’s Golf program from 1966 to 1992, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 1, 2025, leaving behind an enduring legacy of excellence, character, and mentorship.

As a vivacious and energetic child, she radiated vitality. She could be found smiling broadly, racing goats, tending cows, racing across fields, and climbing trees. Her deep curiosity led to a dedication to learning and a lifetime of teaching. She embraced both education and athletics, setting the foundation for her future career as a coach and teacher. At the heart of it all was her deep Love and unwavering Faith. Proverbs 3:6, “In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths,” guided her life of service to others with her belief that all things were possible. Joy, Love, and kindness illuminated her walk in the Light of her Savior. A favorite family principle handed down from her mother to everyone she loved, coached, and guided was “Be kind to everyone.”

Dr. Smith founded Longwood University’s Women’s Golf program in 1966, serving as head coach for 26 transformative years until her retirement in 1992. Over nearly three decades, she led the Lancers to 137 career victories, establishing a dominant presence in collegiate women’s golf. Her teams secured three NGCA Division II National Championships (1987, 1988, 1990) along with five national runner-up finishes (1981, 1984, 1989, 1991, 1992). The Lancers earned six Virginia State titles under her leadership (1970–1972, 1976–1979). She coached 19 individual All-Americans, including multiple academic Honorees.

The number of women athletes she mentored and inspired is countless.

She was named LPGA Coach of the Year: 1983 and 1989, Mid-Atlantic Region Coach of the Year: 1985, 1987, awarded the LPGA’s Ellen Griffin Rolex Award in 2003 and earned LPGA Master Professional status in 1994. Dr. Smith was honored with induction into the NGCA Hall of Fame (1992), Limestone College Athletic Hall of Fame (1996), and as part of Longwood’s inaugural Athletics Hall of Fame class (2005).

To say that she was a force is an understatement.

More than her accolades, Dr. Smith formed generations of players grounded in integrity, perseverance, and leadership. Former athletes, led by four‑time All‑American Charlaine Coetzee Hirst, privately raised funds to place a commemorative plaque at Longwood’s former golf course—the very ground where Dr. Smith shaped their lives and careers. At the dedication gathering, Hirst shared, “Her accomplishments as a coach speak for themselves... her most lasting legacy is the impact she had on the hundreds of former students and student‑athletes she coached and taught. All the core values you go through life with, that is Dr. Smith… she lived those values, so we were able to see that in action.”

Dr. Smith wasn’t just a coach—she was an educator, a mentor, a formidable advocate for young women’s leadership, and a steadfast believer in the transformative power of sport. She used golf as her canvas to craft champions and impactful citizens. Her name is etched in Longwood’s history: a historical marker now stands at the former golf course, testifying to her vision and perseverance in building a nationally recognized program from the ground up.

Her generosity and philanthropy efforts stretched wide and far; the arts, music, gardens, history, animals, state, and national leadership. Her leadership with the Longwood Daughters of the American Revolution chapter, influence and guidance at Farmville Presbyterian Church, the Nora Lancaster Garden Club, and the bridge community leave an indelible mark on the hundreds, if not thousands, of people who were impacted by her easy smile, sharp wit, and enormous heart.

At the heart of it all was her deep Love and unwavering Faith. Proverbs 3:6, “In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths,” guided her life of service to others with her belief that all things were possible. Joy, Love, and kindness illuminated her walk in the Light of her Savior. A favorite family principle handed down from her mother to everyone she loved, coached, and guided was “Be kind to everyone.”

Dr. Barbara Smith leaves behind a legacy rich in triumphs, but even richer in character, compassion, and the countless lives she shaped. Her principles endure through the leaders she raised, the program she built, and the family she raised and loved beyond measure. Though she has left the course, her inspired legacy and indomitable spirit continue to resonate in every swing of those she influenced.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Claude T. Smith and Amanda Smith, and her sister, Amy Johnson Smith Boozer.

She is survived by a nephew and four nieces: Bob Boozer of Murphy, NC, Ellie Wood of Madison, NC, Bettie Ellington of Barnesville, GA, Faith Collins of Salisbury, NC, and Amy Williams of Portland, OR. She is preceded in death by her parents, Claude T. Smith and Amanda Smith, and her sister, Amy Johnson Smith Boozer.

She also leaves a community of friends and former players, colleagues, and Longwood University family who continue to honor her memory and mission.

May she rest in peace—and may her legacy inspire future generations to love with enthusiasm, play with heart, teach with integrity, and lead with purpose.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 6, from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM at Puckett Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Farmville Presbyterian Church, 200 West Third Street. Farmville, VA 23901. Services will be live-streamed for those who can not attend in-person on the Farmville Presbyterian Facebook page. Interment will follow at Westview Cemetery, South Main Street, Farmville, VA.

Donations may be made in her memory to: Amy Johnson Smith Boozer Music Scholarship. Please put in the comments that your gift is for the Amy Johnson Smith Boozer Music Scholarship, Longwood Center for the Visual Arts or Farmville Presbyterian Church, 200 West Third Street, Farmville, VA 23901.