Barbara B. Smith: Legacy of the 10th Relief Society General President
Barbara B. Smith served as a pivotal leader for the women of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) during a period of significant social transition in the United States. As the 10th General President of the Relief Society—the Church's organization for women—she brought a new generation's perspective to a role that had previously been held by leaders born in the 19th century.
Early Life and Family
Born Barbara Bradshaw on January 26, 1922, in Salt Lake City, Utah, she was the third of six children born to Dan Delos and Dorothy Mills Bradshaw. She completed her secondary education at South High School, graduating in 1940.
On June 16, 1941, she married Douglas H. Smith in the Salt Lake Temple. Together, they raised seven children, balancing family life with her increasing involvement in church service.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Leadership in the Relief Society
Before her appointment to the general presidency, Barbara B. Smith gained extensive experience serving on various local and general boards within the Relief Society. Her leadership trajectory culminated on October 3, 1974, when she was called by President Spencer W. Kimball to succeed Belle S. Spafford.
Smith's appointment was historic, as she was the first Relief Society General President to have been born in the 20th century. She led the organization for nearly a decade, providing guidance and administration for the Church's global female membership.
Advocacy and Social Positions
During her tenure, President Smith was known for her firm stance on several contemporary social and political issues. She spearheaded the LDS Church's opposition to the proposed Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) to the U.S. Constitution.
Additionally, she used her platform to actively oppose the recruitment of women into the United States military and spoke out against the spread of abortion, which had become legal across the United States in 1973.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Later Years and Passing
Barbara B. Smith was honorably released from her position in April 1984, passing the leadership to her successor, Barbara W. Winder. In her later years, she faced a prolonged battle with pulmonary fibrosis, a chronic lung disease that causes scarring of the lung tissue.
She passed away on September 13, 2010, at the age of 88 in Salt Lake City, Utah. She is interred at the Salt Lake City Cemetery.
Key Facts
- Tenure: October 3, 1974 – April 7, 1984.
- Historical Milestone: First Relief Society General President born in the 20th century.
- Calling Authority: Appointed by President Spencer W. Kimball.
- Key Advocacy: Opposed the Equal Rights Amendment, women's military recruitment, and abortion.
- Family: Married to Douglas H. Smith with seven children.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Predecessor | Belle S. Spafford |
| Successor | Barbara W. Winder |
| Years of Service | 1974–1984 |
| Birth Date | January 26, 1922 |
| Death Date | September 13, 2010 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who appointed Barbara B. Smith as General President?
She was called to the position by Spencer W. Kimball.
What was unique about Barbara B. Smith's presidency?
She was the first person to serve as the Relief Society General President who had been born in the 20th century.
Which political amendment did Barbara B. Smith oppose?
She spearheaded the LDS Church's opposition to the proposed Equal Rights Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
How many children did Barbara B. Smith have?
She and her husband, Douglas H. Smith, were the parents of seven children.
What caused the death of Barbara B. Smith?
She died after suffering from pulmonary fibrosis for a number of years.