Bobbi Jean Smothers, 87, of Shelbyville, passed away Thursday, May 21, 2026, at Willows Rehab of Shelbyville. She was a resident of Timbercreek Assisted Living of Shelbyville.

She was born November 11, 1938, in Danville, IN to Thomas H. Johnson and Ruth (Lairmore) Johnson.

Bobbi was a member of Crossroads Community Church. She worked at General Electric and then she opened and operated her own business of B&J Childcare in 1989, for 21 years. After her closure she went to work at Triton Elementary in the children center. Bobbi was a crisis care provider for children in need of a short placement. Her grandkids were very special to her and always gave her a smile. Bobbi was a follower of her savior and believed in reading and studying her Bible. She had a sharp wit and a love for cooking which also turned into a catering business.

She married John B. Smothers on March 3, 1956 and he preceded her in death on March 29, 2014.

She is survived by her daughters, Ruth (husband, Kevin) Collins, Waunita Smothers (companion, Mike Weiss) and Olivia Piatt; sons, Darrin Smothers (companion, Alesa) and Levi Childers; daughter-in-law, Shelley Smothers; 7 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sons, Thomas Smothers and Jonathan Smothers; brothers, Henry Johnson and Thomas “Little Henry” Johnson; sisters, Barb Venable, Nancy Whalen and Edna Johnson.

Visitation will be Tuesday, May 26, 2026 from 5 pm to 7 pm at Murphy-Parks Funeral Service, 703 S. Harrison Street, Shelbyville, IN 46176.

Funeral services will follow at 7 p.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Andy Lee officiating.

Burial will be in Whispering Hope Memorial Gardens.

Funeral Directors, Greg Parks, Sheila Parks and Stuart Parks are honored to serve Bobbi’s family.

Online condolences may be shared at www.murphyparks.com.