Barbara J. Davis, aka Barbara Ann, 83, of Toms River, formerly of Asbury Park, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Thursday morning, March 19, 2026, at home. She was born on September 14, 1942 to John & Josephine Smith in Neptune, NJ.
Barbara grew up in Neptune and later moved to Asbury Park. She received her GED diploma in 1984 from Asbury Park High School. She walked that stage proudly. She decided to move to St. Petersburg, FL in 1986 to be closer to her sister, Elizabeth Leshore. After being there for some years, she relocated back to New Jersey.
Barbara loved singing and hitting those high soprano notes. She would sing songs and start them too high at times and would stop, clear her throat and start again. She didn't get embarrassed, she just started again in a lower key. Her favorite sport to watch was ice skating, watching it fascinated her. She loved certain tv shows, Murder She Wrote, Colombo, Charlie's Angels, and game shows.
Barbara attended True Vine Baptist Church, Asbury Park and served as one of the Mothers of the church.
Barbara is predeceased by her parents, John and Josephine Smith; four brothers, Joseph, Johnny, Nathaniel, and Norris Smith; her sister, Elizabeth Smith; and a grandson, Cedric D. Niblack.
She leaves to cherish her memory five children, Robert S. (Jacqueline) Davis IV of Tulare, CA; Lisa R. Davis of Toms River; Pamela D. (David) Niblack of Toms River, Anthony J. (April) Hall of Orlando, FL, and Camille S. Lancaster of St. Petersburg, FL; nephew/bonus son, Tyrone Smith of Washington, DC; two sisters, Verdelle Smith of New York, and Elizabeth Leshore of St. Petersburg, FL; one brother, David "Marsi" Smith; 15 grandchildren, Dominique Davis, Tameika Davis-Cox (Maurice), Tinasia Howard (Davahn Johnson), Robert Davis V (Tiffany), Terence Howard (Caitlin), Kierra Franklin, David Niblack Jr., Shaquanna Hall, Jaquan Green, Moriah Niblack-Hayes (Ira), Daniel Niblack (Raquel), Isaiah Howard, Daija Hall, Maryanna Bolden, Anthony "AJ" Hall Jr.; 23 great-grandchildren, and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.
A very special thank you to Jikera Stokes for all the love and support given to our mother during her sickness. Thank you also to Ambassador Adult Day Care in Lakewood and to Ascend Hospice for the awesome care that was given.
Repast will follow the services at the church.
