B. Smith: Celebrating the Dazzling Legacy of a Pioneering Model, Restaurateur, and Lifestyle Icon

The world mourned the loss of a true trailblazer, Barbara Elaine Smith, affectionately known as B. Smith, who passed away at the age of 70 on February 22, 2020. Her death, a result of complications from early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, brought an end to a life marked by extraordinary achievements across multiple industries. B. Smith was much more than just a former model or a successful restaurateur; she was a cultural icon who paved the way for countless others, leaving an indelible mark on fashion, television, and the lifestyle brand landscape.

Her husband, Dan Gasby, shared the heartbreaking news in a poignant Facebook post on Sunday, February 23rd, confirming her peaceful passing. “It is with great sadness that my daughter Dana and I announce the passing of my wife, Barbara Elaine Smith,” he wrote, expressing profound gratitude. “Thank you to all the friends and fans who supported B. and our family during her journey. Thank you to everyone for respecting our privacy during this agonizing time.” Gasby concluded with a touching tribute, remarking, “Heaven is shining even brighter now that it is graced with B.’s dazzling and unforgettable smile.” This sentiment perfectly encapsulated the vibrant spirit and radiant personality that defined B. Smith throughout her illustrious career and challenging personal journey.

B. Smith’s life was a testament to ambition, grace, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. From breaking barriers in the modeling world to building a sprawling lifestyle empire and courageously advocating for Alzheimer’s awareness, her accomplishments were varied and impactful. She cultivated a brand synonymous with elegance, sophistication, and a deep appreciation for culture and style. Let’s delve deeper into the remarkable life and enduring legacy of B. Smith.

Strike a Pose: B. Smith’s Pioneering Modeling Career

B. Smith’s journey to stardom began in the glamorous yet often challenging world of fashion modeling in the mid-1960s. Hailing from Everson, Pennsylvania, her striking beauty, poise, and distinctive presence quickly caught the eye of industry professionals. She soon signed with Wilhelmina Models, one of the most prestigious agencies in the world, marking a significant step in her burgeoning career. Her unique look and professional demeanor allowed her to thrive in an era that was slowly beginning to embrace more diverse representations of beauty, though progress was often slow and hard-won.

A pivotal moment in her modeling career, and indeed in the history of fashion, came in 1976 when B. Smith made history. She became the very first African-American woman to grace the cover of Mademoiselle magazine. This was not merely a personal triumph but a monumental achievement that shattered racial barriers within the fashion industry. At a time when mainstream magazines rarely featured Black models on their covers, B. Smith’s appearance on Mademoiselle was a powerful statement, opening doors and inspiring a generation of aspiring models and young Black women. Her cover photo was a beacon of progress, symbolizing a gradual shift towards greater inclusivity and challenging established norms of beauty. This groundbreaking accomplishment cemented her status not just as a successful model, but as a true pioneer in the industry, laying the groundwork for future diversity.

From Runway to Screen: B. Smith’s Television Journey

Transitioning seamlessly from the runway, B. Smith brought her captivating presence to the small screen, demonstrating a versatility that would become a hallmark of her career. Her early forays into television included appearances on two different episodes of the beloved classic children’s series, Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. Her calm demeanor and warm personality made her a natural fit for the show, showcasing her ability to connect with diverse audiences even in an educational context.

However, it was in the late 1990s that B. Smith truly cemented her status as a household name in television. In 1997, she launched her own nationally syndicated talk show, B. Smith With Style. The program quickly became a favorite among viewers, offering a fresh and sophisticated take on lifestyle topics. Unlike many shows of its time, B. Smith With Style covered a wide array of subjects, ranging from elegant home decor ideas and practical cooking tips to entertaining advice and cultural discussions. B. Smith’s unique approach blended aspiration with accessibility, making sophisticated living feel attainable for her audience. Her articulate and graceful presentation, coupled with her impeccable taste, resonated deeply, establishing her as a leading voice in the lifestyle genre. She was a natural host, exuding warmth and expertise, and her show not only entertained but also educated and inspired millions, solidifying her reputation as a formidable media personality and lifestyle guru.

A Culinary and Lifestyle Empire: B. Smith’s Business Ventures

Beyond her modeling and television success, B. Smith cultivated an impressive empire in the restaurant and home goods industries, showcasing her exceptional entrepreneurial spirit. In the mid-1990s, she ventured into the culinary world, opening her first eponymous restaurant. Her restaurants, known for their sophisticated ambiance, welcoming atmosphere, and delicious cuisine, quickly became popular destinations. She expanded her reach, establishing celebrated eateries in iconic locations such as New York City, Sag Harbor on Long Island, and Washington D.C. Each restaurant reflected her signature style, blending Southern-inspired flavors with a refined presentation, creating a dining experience that was both comforting and elegant. Her establishments weren’t just places to eat; they were extensions of her lifestyle brand, offering a curated experience that embodied her passion for hospitality and fine living.

Building on her success in dining, B. Smith further expanded her brand into the retail sector. In 2001, she debuted her very own home collection in collaboration with Bed, Bath & Beyond. This partnership was a groundbreaking move for a Black female entrepreneur, allowing her sophisticated aesthetic to reach a mass market. The collection featured everything from elegant dinnerware and glassware to stylish linens, all designed with B. Smith’s discerning taste in mind. The success of this initial venture led to the development of other related lines, including serveware and furniture collections. Through these initiatives, B. Smith solidified her position as a lifestyle guru, empowering consumers to bring elegance and style into their own homes. Her ability to translate her personal brand into successful product lines demonstrated her keen business acumen and her deep understanding of consumer desires, making her a true pioneer in the world of celebrity-branded merchandise.

Facing Alzheimer’s: B. Smith’s Courageous Public Revelation

In June of 2014, B. Smith bravely shared a deeply personal and life-altering revelation with the world: she had been diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. This courageous announcement sent shockwaves through her legions of fans and the broader public, but it also ignited a new chapter in her legacy as an advocate. Early-onset Alzheimer’s, a rare form of the disease that affects individuals under the age of 65, is particularly devastating, often striking at the prime of a person’s career and family life. B. Smith’s decision to go public with her diagnosis was not only a testament to her strength but also a profound act of selflessness, aiming to raise awareness and reduce the stigma often associated with neurodegenerative diseases.

Despite the immense challenges posed by her condition, B. Smith maintained an inspiringly positive outlook. In an interview following her diagnosis, she articulated her resolve, stating, “I think the future’s going to be fine. I’m going to do my best to make it work out for me and for as many people that I can possibly help, too.” This sentiment underscored her unwavering spirit and her commitment to turning her personal struggle into a platform for good. By openly discussing her experiences, she became a beacon of hope and an invaluable resource for countless families navigating similar diagnoses. Her candor provided comfort and encouragement, demonstrating that even in the face of such a formidable illness, it was possible to maintain dignity, find purpose, and continue to inspire.

“Before I Forget”: Documenting Her Battle and Highlighting Alzheimer’s Awareness

B. Smith’s journey with Alzheimer’s continued to unfold publicly, marked by her and her husband Dan Gasby’s collaborative efforts to educate and inform. In early 2016, they co-authored a poignant and insightful book titled Before I Forget: Love, Hope, Help, and Acceptance in Our Fight Against Alzheimer’s. This deeply personal memoir meticulously detailed her experiences with the condition following her diagnosis, offering a raw and honest account of the daily realities of living with Alzheimer’s. The book provided invaluable perspectives not only from B. Smith herself but also from Dan, shedding light on the immense emotional and practical toll the disease takes on both the patient and their caregivers.

The book also touched upon challenging moments that highlighted the brutal nature of Alzheimer’s. One particularly scary incident occurred in 2014, shortly after her diagnosis was revealed, when Dan reported her missing from their home in Southampton, New York. The subsequent search captivated national attention and underscored the critical challenges faced by families dealing with advanced stages of the disease, where disorientation and wandering become serious concerns. Fortunately, she was found safely one day later in a café in Midtown Manhattan. This incident, shared transparently in their book and through media, served as a powerful illustration of the profound disorientation and vulnerability that can accompany Alzheimer’s, further emphasizing the need for greater understanding, support, and resources for affected individuals and their loved ones. Through their advocacy and the intimate details shared in Before I Forget, B. Smith and Dan Gasby transformed a private struggle into a powerful public platform, fostering empathy and contributing significantly to the national conversation on Alzheimer’s disease.

B. Smith’s life was a vibrant tapestry woven with threads of creativity, entrepreneurship, and unwavering grace. Her pioneering spirit broke barriers in the fashion industry, her sophisticated style elevated lifestyle programming, and her business acumen built a celebrated brand. In her final years, she embraced a new role as a courageous advocate, shining a light on Alzheimer’s disease with dignity and hope. B. Smith will forever be remembered not just for her dazzling smile, but for her profound impact as an icon who inspired millions across multiple generations and industries.