Barbara June Smith Herring and Donald George Herring

Barbara June Smith Herring was born on November 26, 1944 to William Patton Smith, Jr. and Shirley Gudmanson Smith in Carthage, Missouri while her family was stationed at Camp Crowder, Missouri during World War II. The family later moved to Harlingen, Texas where Barbara grew up and graduated from Harlingen High School in 1963. During high school, she proudly served as the head twirler.

Following her graduation, Barbara attended Baylor University before transferring to the University of Houston, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education.

Donald George Herring was born on October 20, 1942 in Waco, Texas to Neva McGlasson Herring and George O. Herring. Don and his family were active members of Columbus Avenue Baptist Church in Waco. Don attended Waco High School and later transferred to Bishop Louis Reicher Catholic High School, where he graduated in 1960 and was a member of the football team.

Don played football during his freshman year at Sothern Methodist University before transferring to Texas Christian University and later to Baylor University, where he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in 1965.

Barbara and Don met at Baylor University and quickly found in one another the love of their lives. They were married on June 25, 1965 in Harlingen, Texas, beginning a devoted marriage that spanned six decades.

Don enjoyed a successful career in real estate working for Nash Phillips Copus, while he and Barbara lived in their home in Austin, Texas. They shared a life filled with faith and simple joys, including their deeply cherished dog, Samantha, whose presence brought them constant comfort and companionship.

Barbara worked as a substitute teacher and helped teach children’s Sunday School at Woodlawn Baptist Church, where she and Don were longtime members. The couple later joined Hyde Park Baptist Church. Barbara also worked as a receptionist in Dr. Eugene Schock’s orthopedic surgery office.

Barbara courageously battled Alzheimer’s disease beginning in 2015, supported by the devoted and gracious care of her husband, Don. She was hospitalized in August and later placed in hospice care. Barbara passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus on September 20, 2025 in Austin, Texas. Thank you to Risa and Gentiva Hospice for their care and concern for Barbara and Don, as well as to Harrell’s Funeral Home in Austin for their compassion and services.

Don’s health declined following Barbara’s passing. He was hospitalized on September 19, 2025, the day before Barbara’s death, and later moved to Waco, Texas where he received care at St. Anthony Care Center. Don passed away on January 28, 2026. Thank you to Harbor Hospice for the wonderful care.

Barbara was preceded in death by her caring parents and brother, Dr. Harold Patton Smith. Don was preceded in death by his loving parents and brother-in-law, Grady Ligon. They are survived by Don’s sister, Diane Ligon, and nieces and nephews: Stephanie (Steve) Smith Shafer and their children Abigail and Julia, Sybil (Bob) Smith Blakeney and their daughter Madison, Sarah (Paul) Smith Johnson and their children Henry and Grady, Harrison Patton Smith, Anna Grace Smith, Grady (Dawn) Ligon and their children Caroline and Will, Greg (Rachel) Ligon and their children Olivia and Tanner (Hope), Grant Ligon, and Julie Long. 

Thank you to Rissa with Gentiva Hospice in Austin for her care and concern for Barbara, and to all the nurses and staff at St. Anthony’s Care Center and Harbor Hospice in Waco.

Barbara and Don will be remembered for their enduring love, deep faith, and devotion to family and church. Their burial will be held at Barbara’s family’s cemetery at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Nashville, Tennessee. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in their name to the Alzheimer’s Association or another charity of choice.