Barbara Charlaine Jenkins

Barbara Charlaine (Smith) Jenkins July 8th, 1955 - May 23rd, 2023
Barbara Charlaine Jenkins, lovingly known as "Bobbi" to her family and friends, passed away peacefully at her home in Irving, Texas, at the age of 67. She was born on July 8th, 1955, in Dallas, Texas, to Gordon G. Smith, Sr. from Dallas, Texas and Marlene Malter Smith, from Wurzburg, Germany.
Bobbi spent her younger years in Wichita Falls, Texas, where she developed her passion for athletics, with a particular focus on gymnastics. She exhibited extraordinary talent in the sport and achieved remarkable success. Bobbi's dedication, hard work, and natural abilities propelled her to excel, leaving an indelible mark on the gymnastics community.
After her upbringing in Wichita Falls, Bobbi made Irving, Texas her home. It was there that she continued to pursue her academic and athletic endeavors, and in 1973, she proudly graduated from Nimitz High School.
Later through life, Barbara experienced profound pains, trials and sorrows. First, she lost her only child Justin at just 14 months old; she then lost her husband Phillip Jenkins, who both preceded her in death. In addition, her Active younger years caused Barbara to require several major but unsuccessful back surgeries. Those made the rest of her life, Very Hard and Very Painful. Despite these losses, Bobbi's spirit remained resilient and her heart open to love and support from her family. Especially her nieces Hailey and Tiffany Smith, who both worked tirelessly to ease those pains by being with Barbara for much of the last 20 years of her life. Their devotion and service gave Bobbi vigor, mobility, and cherished companionship through life's difficulties.
Bobbi is survived by her brother, Gary Smith, and wife, Karen, of Arlington, Texas, as well as her brother, Toby Christopher Smith, also of Arlington, Texas. She held a special bond with her nieces, Tiffany Lynn Smith and Hailey Michelle Smith, by her side as dear companions throughout her life's journey. In addition, Bobbi is survived by her niece, Natalie Marlene Smith, and Natalie's daughter, Ariel Marlene Soto, of Cypress, California, and by her nephew, Gordon Gerald Smith, III, of Arlington, Texas. Barbara is further survived by numerous cousins throughout north Texas.
The Family will have a private memorial on her upcoming birthday. We thank you for your prayers, reflection and thoughtfulness for our departed daughter, mother, sister, aunt and friend; Barbara Charlaine Jenkins.
Bobbi touched the hearts of those who knew her and will be deeply missed--her memory closely cherished by family, friends, and loved ones. As we mourn her passing, remember the legacy of love and resilience she leaves in her wake. Barbara Charlaine Jenkins will be remembered for her strength, unwavering love, and how she touched the lives of those around her. May her soul rest in eternal peace.

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