B. Smith, restaurateur and cookbook writer, has died at age 70

The restaurateur, model, and writer B. Smith died on Saturday after a fight with Alzheimer’s disease, her husband Dan Gasby said in an announcement. She was 70 years of age.

“Thank you to all the friends and fans who supported B. and our family during her journey,” Gasby said. “Thank you to everyone for respecting our privacy during this agonizing time.”

“Heaven is shining even brighter now that it is graced with B.’s dazzling and unforgettable smile.”

Smith, whose complete name was Barbara Elaine Smith, was a multi-faceted and multi-talented personality.

Notwithstanding building restaurants and a home decor collection, throughout the years, Smith was a fashion model, actress, TV host, and bestselling cookbook writer. In 1976 she got one of the first African American women to show up on the cover of “Mademoiselle” magazine.

Smith was diagnosed with beginning stage Alzheimer’s at 64 years old in 2013.

“It feels like crying,” she told CBS in a 2014 interview. “Things like that make me very sad.”

Be that as it may, she was likewise resolved to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s, especially for the African American community.

“We lost legendary fashion model, chef, restaurateur, lifestyle icon and magazine publisher, B Smith today,” NBC’s Al Roker said on Twitter.

“70 years old, she and her husband, Dan Gasby were at the forefront of #alzheimers #research for people of color. Love to them and daughter, Dana.”