Katherine C. Smith

On Tuesday October 17, 2023, God in His infinite wisdom took from our midst Katherine Charity Smith. She was the daughter of the late Columbus and Mattie Charity, and the widow of the late Edward C. Smith, Sr. Her eldest son Edward C. Smith, Jr. preceded her in death. 

Katherine was born on April 28, 1929, in Boydton, Virginia, and received her primary and secondary education in the Norfolk City Public School system.She graduated from Booker T. Washington High School, Class of 1946. She attended Hampton Institute and received her associate degree in Elementary Education from Norfolk Division, Virginia State College, now known as Norfolk State University. In 1949, she married the late Edward C. Smith, Sr. and to this union God blessed them with two sons: Edward Jr. and Michael. She was a retired teacher of the Tidewater Association for Retarded Citizens (TARC).

At an early age she accepted Christ, joining Jerusalem Baptist Church, Norfolk, where she was a member for more than 50 years, and served on the Usher Board #2 faithfully until her mother’s illness required her care. After moving to Portsmouth in 1982, she later became a faithful member of Mount Herman Baptist Temple, Portsmouth, where she remained until her passing.

A loving and devoted daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend were her claims to fame. She lived a simple life: always being grateful for the little things and was a constant source of strength for her family and others.

Katherine leaves behind to cherish her memory a son, Deacon and Captain Michael C. Smith Sr., U.S. Navy, Retired; two daughters-in-law, Sheila W. Smith (Edward Jr.) of Norfolk, VA; Robin E. Smith (Michael Sr.) of Midlothian, VA; three grandchildren, Ronald L. White, Ph.D. (William) of Norfolk, VA; Tiffany Smith-Ramiro, Esq. (Marvin) of Elkridge, MD; Michael C. Smith II of Columbia, MD; three great-grandchildren; Jackson Ramiro and Riley Ramiro of Elkridge, MD; Bobby White of Norfolk, VA and a host of relatives and friends.