Kizzie Jean Smith

Kizzie Jean Smith, transitioned to eternal rest on July 3, 2014 at the age 93. She was born to Ambrose Kent and Carrie White Kent in Steubenville, Ohio on December 4, 1920. The youngest of four, she spent her early childhood years in Steubenville. Later Kizzie moved to Cincinnati, Ohio to live with a foster family as a teen, after the deaths of first her mother, Carrie when she was an infant, her father when she was 8, and step-mother, Nellie Kent the only mother she knew when she was 16. Thriving in Cincinnati, Kizzie graduated from Woodward High School, where she formed life-long friendships. She went on to proudly work her way through college graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree from Wilberforce University and securing a salaried position as a Kitchen Manager at the YWCA in Detroit, Michigan.

She soon after met and married William H. Smith, Jr. and the newlyweds spent their first year of their 64 year marriage in Manassas, Virginia teaching. They moved back to Cincinnati, where they raised their family. Two sons, William Kent and David Tucker and a daughter, Carol Ellen were blessed to have such a strong and loving mother. She also worked as a supervisor with the Hamilton County Department of Welfare where she dished out tough love and sound wisdom. Kizzie Smith was a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Valley Forge Federated Club, and the American Legion Auxiliary. She was also involved in many church ministries at Mount Zion Baptist Church in Woodlawn, Ohio. Most importantly, she willingly used her gift to teach Sunday School for many years, influencing and setting an example for many. In her later years when she and her husband, Bill moved to Newport News, Virginia to be close to their daughter and her family, she actively served with other seniors in the bread ministry at Emmanuel Baptist Church.

Kizzie will be remembered for being one of the best cooks around, her ability to say exactly what was on her mind and her tough love. She genuinely loved people and made friends everywhere she went. She is preceded in death by her husband, William; brother, Bill Kent; sisters, Carolyn Washington and Mary Ellen Acey.

Left to cherish her memory is her son William Kent Smith (Lynne), son David Tucker Smith (Brenda), daughter Carol Ellen Smith Jones (Cornell); grandchildren, Kenya, Kristen, Maya, LaDawn, Kecia, Kevin, Kendra and Amber; 10 great grandchildren, cousins, special friends Charles and Jimi Harris, Deborah Burton, the Kirksey family and many other loving friends.