Barbara Smith Yurachek

Barbara Smith Yurachek passed away peacefully at home on September 1, 2026. A testament to their incredible 67-year love story, shortly before her final breath, Barbara opened her eyes to stare intently into the eyes of her beloved husband, John Paul Yurachek, and held his hands until the very end. No one could ask for a more beautiful transition. 

Barbara and John met in high school and began dating their senior year in 1959. They married two weeks after John graduated from college and soon moved to Germany while he was deployed in the Army. They always dreamed of a big family, and together they built one. Their life together was filled with children, grandchildren, laughter, dancing, hard work, and an extraordinary devotion to one another. 

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Andrew Joseph Smith, Sr. and Elda Gibson Smith; her brother, Andrew Joseph Smith, Jr.; her sister, Patricia Ann Smith; and her daughter, Susan Powell Yurachek. She is survived by her husband of 63 years, John Paul Yurachek; her children, Jack Yurachek (Stephanie), Hunter Yurachek (Jennifer), Stephen Yurachek, and Paige Bobick (Shawn); nine beloved grandchildren, Ryan (Morgan), Jake, Brooks, Cole, Michael, Graham, Ellis, Ford, and Hayes; and one great-grandson, Trace, another great-grandson on the way, and her brother Anthony Edward Smith (Barbara).

A graduate of St. Gertrude in Richmond, Virginia, Barbara also attended Virginia Commonwealth University. She was a licensed Realtor in Virginia and North Carolina and enjoyed a successful career as one of the top agents at several Charlotte firms. But her favorite job was being a mother and grandmother. She poured her heart and soul into her family and was their biggest cheerleader to the end. She kept countless folders documenting even the smallest accomplishments of her children and grandchildren. Her love, support, and pride were unmatched. 

Barbara was a true Southern belle, with an exquisite Virginia accent—a perfect combination of drawl and sophistication. She never left the house without a full face of makeup and perfectly coiffed hair, and her house was always immaculate. Yet she was also funny, almost silly, and loved to dance. Her smile could light up any room. She was a little bit of everything. 

Parkinson’s stole so much from Barbara over the last 10 years. But it also gave everyone who witnessed her journey a glimpse of the depth of her and John’s love. John never left her side and never stopped trying to keep her dancing, smiling, and feeling his great love. And even as Parkinson’s took so much from Barbara, she still knew exactly who he was. 

We should all be so lucky. 

Services will be held in both Charlotte, NC, and Richmond, VA, to honor her two homes.

Charlotte services will take place on September 8, 2026, with visitation at 10 am, followed by a Catholic prayer service at 11am at Hankins & Whittington Funeral Service, 1111 East Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203.

Richmond services will begin on September 14, 2026, with visitation from 4–6 pm at Bliley’s Funeral Home.

A funeral mass will be held at 12 pm on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at St. Edward Catholic Church, followed immediately by burial at Mount Calvary Cemetery.