Obituary of Barbara Sue Tester Smith

Barbara Tester Smith, age 79, of Clark's Creek Road, Banner Elk, passed peacefully Sunday, November 22 at her home. Born and raised in Watauga County, Barbara, or "Mamaw", as she was fondly known by so many, met the love of her life, Ed, and raised their 5 children in Valle Crucis. Barbara will mostly be remembered for her unconditional love for everyone she met. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband Ed, brother Ray Tester, sister Eunice Lutrell, and two sons in law, Charlie Taylor and Bill Tate. Barbara is survived by three daughters, Billie Jean Taylor of Valle Crucis, Marcia Lusk and husband Don of Valle Crucis and Donna Tate of Linville, two sons, Randall Smith of Baird's Creek and Brad Smith and wife Terry of Triplett. She is also survived by two brothers, Keith Tester and wife Danielle of Blowing Rock and Larry Tester and wife Janice of Stoney Point, one sister, Pauline Berry and husband George of Brownsville, FL, eleven grandchildren, Heather Arnold, Matthew Taylor, Andrew Taylor (India), Heidi Robertson (Brock), Holly Powell (Seth), John Nelson Smith, Lillie Smith, Ashley Jones (Adam), Kari Brown (Daniel), Asa Watson (Alexia), Ethan Smith (Laura), 19 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren. Funeral services for Mrs. Barbara Tester Smith will be private. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Caldwell Hospice & Palliative Care, 902 Kirkwood Street, NW, Lenoir, NC 28645. Austin & Barnes Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Smith family.