Obituary of Barbara S Dupree

Barbara Smith Dupree (formerly Barbara Nye) was born in Wilmington, Delaware to Margaret C. and James B. Smith on January 21, 1939 and passed away in Surprise, Arizona on February 7, 2022 at the age of 83, after a short period of Hospice care at home. She spent her early to mid life in Wilmington, Delaware, later moving to the Delaware beach area and then to Phoenix, Arizona. Her careers included telephone operator, executive secretary, certified legal assistant, successful business owner (Glitz and Glitter), successful realtor in Phoenix, and medical assistant. Barbara was a single mother and a strong, motivated, independent woman. She had a great sense of humor and was a lot of fun to be around. Despite facing several challenges in her life, she always maintained a positive attitude and a fighting spirit. She loved the beach and loved shopping, interior decorating, landscaping, gardening, ceramics and painting, and spending time with family. She was also well-known for being a great negotiator (like you would want her with you when you bought a car), and loving everything bling (like her great grandchildren called her “Diva”). Barbara was very spiritual, having a strong faith in God and the power of prayer. She regularly donated to charitable venues, including St. Jude’s, Paralyzed Veterans, SPCA and battered women shelters. She is preceded by her parents, John Dupree, her cousin Linda Dunlop and her aunt and best buddy Doris Klucko. She is survived by her daughter Erica Nye and her family: Stephen Horton, Matthew Horton, Melody Horton, and Madison Horton, great grandchildren Karter and Zaiden, cousins Marie Dee and family, Tom Dunlop and family, and Michael Dunlop and family. She requested not to have a service, but her ashes will be spread in Delaware later this year per her wishes and a tree will be planted in Rehoboth Beach in her honor. She will be lovingly remembered and greatly missed by all who knew her.