Barbara Turner, was born in the Nation's Capital, Washington, DC, in August 1939. She married her childhood sweetheart Joseph Smith and became Barbara Y. Smith. Joseph and Barbara had eight children, whom then had children and Barbara became and got the name "Grandma." And because of the love and care that she shows anyone she meets, people young and old affectionately call her Grandma.
Grandma has always loved sports and became involved in the USA Track & Field Potomac Valley Association. There she has met and mentors thousands of track and field athletes, coaches, and parents alike. She has traveled the country advocating for youth track and field, encouraging athletes to stay in school and continue in their athletic pursuits. As a result, Grandma has helped fuel the collegiate careers of thousands of student athletes.
In August 2019, as an 80th birthday present, Grandma's grandchildren, some of whom were former student athletes themselves, formed the Barbara Y. Smith Scholarship, Inc., a scholarship fund devoted to helping student athletes get to and through college.