Bobbie Smith Bryant

About the Author

Bobbie Smith Bryant is a historian, genealogist, and faith-based writer based in Louisville, Kentucky. A native of Calloway County, she worked on community and economic development issues for the Kentucky League of Cities for nearly 30 years. Bobbie also has a passion for history and genealogy and has spent decades researching her ancestors.

In retirement, Bobbie continues writing for herself and others. Her writing has been recognized with awards from the Kentucky Monthly magazine, Kentucky Historical Society, and Bluegrass Literacy. She has been featured in numerous publications, including Kentucky City magazine, Kentucky Monthly magazine, Kentucky Humanities magazine, Shelby County Life magazine, the Jackson Purchase Historical Society Journal, the Courier-Journal, Lexington Herald Leader, and the Murray Ledger & Times.

During her tenure as board chair of the Louisville Wesley Foundation (2012-2018), Bobbie began writing more about her faith. In 2019, 2020, and again in 2022, her devotionals were published in The Upper Room, her first international publication.

With the help of her parents, husband, and family, Bobbie has published several books including:

* Forty Acres and A Red Belly Ford: The Smith Family of Calloway County

* Passions of the Black Patch: Cooking and Quilting in Western Kentucky

* Farming in the Black Patch

* A Beautiful Star: The Life of Lois Etoile Robinson Brewer

* My First 80 Years: Bettie Louise Smith Stoll

* Was I Ever So Surprised: The Adventures of Billy Smith

Bobbie was invited to lead the effort of a local history book to celebrate the Calloway County Bicentennial in 2022. She was hired by the Calloway County Fiscal Court and worked with more than 400 residents to produce Celebrating Two Hundred Years: Calloway County, Kentucky 1822-2022. During that project, she became involved with the Calloway County Genealogical and Historical Society. Working with several volunteers, Bobbie led the effort to research and publish Bygone Churches of Calloway County, Kentucky 1800 - 2024. This book was awarded the 2025 Kentucky Historical Society Publication Award.

Bobbie currently serves as the Society’s president. She also serves on the board of directors of the Kentucky Historical Society (2024-2026).