2026 SESSION

INTRODUCED

26109373D

HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 325

Offered March 8, 2026

Celebrating the life of Barbara Drucker Smith.

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Patrons—Simonds, Anderson, Downey, Price, Thornton and Ward

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WHEREAS, Barbara Drucker Smith, an accomplished poet, author, and musician, respected hypnotherapist, devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, and beloved member of the Newport News community, died on August 9, 2025; and

WHEREAS, Barbara Smith graduated from Newport News High School in 1952 and earned a bachelor's degree from The College of William & Mary; and

WHEREAS, a member of the Tidewater Writers Association, the Virginia Writers Club, and the Poetry Society of Virginia, Barbara Smith was a prolific poet and author whose works had been published locally, regionally, and nationally; and

WHEREAS, Barbara Smith promoted literacy and the arts as a pioneer of the Lab Center for Reading and the owner and operator of Write it Right and Louraine Publishers; and

WHEREAS, Barbara Smith was a gifted musician who sang with the Virginia Choral Society, performed at Carnegie Hall, composed classical piano arrangements, and released three albums under the artist name Barbarina; and

WHEREAS, Barbara Smith was a certified hypnotherapist who founded her own practice, Hip Hip Hypnotherapy, and was a member of the Edgar Cayce's Association for Research and Enlightenment in Virginia Beach; and

WHEREAS, guided throughout her life by her faith, Barbara Smith was a lifelong member of Rodef Sholom Temple in Newport News and the National Council of Jewish Women; and

WHEREAS, Barbara Smith will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by her children, Eric and Lisa, and their families; her partner, L. Nelson; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Delegates hereby note with great sadness the loss of Barbara Drucker Smith, a treasured member of the Newport News community whose kindness and generosity touched countless lives; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Barbara Drucker Smith as an expression of the House of Delegates' respect for her memory.