Barbara Smelser Black
February 14, 1924 - May 20, 2004
Obituary
Barbara Smelser BLACK
Barbara went to be with her Lord on May 20th 2004 at the age of 80. She heard the call of the Guardian angels to follow them into her next life.
During her lifetime, she was known to be a very giving and thoughtful person, while asking nothing in return. She was a wonderful wife and mother. She was born on Valentine’s Day, February 14th 1924 in Tacoma, Washington to Guy Weatherly and Florence Lucks Smelser. She spent her early childhood in Tacoma, then moved with her parents to Seattle, where she graduated from the old Saint Nicholas School. She later received a degree from the University of Washington in Social Studies, where she affiliated with Alpha Phi Sorority. She was also Vice President of her Senior Class while at the university. She worked as an Assistant Buyer for the old I. Magnin Company in San Francisco before coming back to Seattle and continued to work at the Seattle store.
Barbara married Frank D. Black on December 3rd 1955 and settled in Bellevue, Washington, where they raised their two children. Her son Gilbert Pryor Black preceded her in death on December 1st 1993. She was active in the Alpha Phi Foundation and the Orthopedic Guild, which benefits the Children’s Hospital. She was a member of the Women’s University Club and the Seattle Tennis Club. She is survived by her husband, Frank D. Black of Mercer Island, her daughter Deborah Black Skoglund and her three grandsons, Kyle Gilbert, Christopher John and Conner Patrick Skoglund as well as her son-in-law John, all of Redmond, Washington.
May the Lord bless the soul of such a thoughtful and wonderful person. She was a member of Emmanuel Episcopal Church on Mercer Island, where she served on many committees and where services will be held. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Northwest Kidney Centers, Emmanuel Episcopal Church Memorial Fund, or any charity of your choice.
Services will be held on Friday, May 28th 2004 at 11:00 AM at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 4400 86th Ave SE, Mercer Island, Washington. Arrangements entrusted to BONNEY-WATSON Capitol Hill, 1732 Broadway, Seattle. 206-322-0013.
Barbara was a true friend and I shall miss her greatly.
I met Frank and Barbara through their son, Gil. I found Barbara to be one of the sweetest people I have ever met. She will be missed greatly.
I worked as a stock girl on I. Magnin’s fashion floor in the summers of 1954 and 1955, between my freshman and sophmore and sophmore and junior years at the UW. Barbara Smelser was one of the 2 Assistant Buyers, and thus was one of my “bosses.” I started in the “old” store which is now Eddie Bauers at 5th and Union and worked during and after the move to the “new” store which is now Old Navy at 6th and Pine. I always admired “Miss Smelser” and appreciated working for her as she was a considerate, kind and fair superviser. I have often wondered where she went from I. Magnin’s and I am glad to learn that she had a full life as a wife, mother, grandmother and active, contributing member of the community. My sincerest condolences to all her family and friends.