Renetta Smith Obituary

My dearest Renetta, I simply cannot believe that it has been 17 years since your home-going! I think of you so often and all of the special moments and frequent conversations about our lives after Howard Univ, after SU and TSU law schools, after our careers finally took off, after challenging our selves to never forsake the things that God had set aside for us along the way, despite circumstances beyond our control! I love you and miss you Ren´t!! There´s so much I want to say and share. We will honor you next month as we celebrate 45 years of amazing sisterhood with TE 29! There are 22 of us now! WOW!! What´s really interesting in this moment is that I was so grief stricken back in 2007, I honestly didn´t realize I had not signed this memory book!!!! Such an honor to read all the loving tributes then and now! But again, that´s just how fierce you were, girlfriend!!!

Renetta, as we plan to reunite to celebrate our 45th year in the AKA journey, you are a beloved and deeply missed line sister of the Tenaciously Entwined 29. Continue to RIP.

You made me a better lawyer.

I am very saddened to hear of the untimely death of a judge for whom I have a great deal of respect. Unfortunately, I closed my immigration law practice some time ago, so it is only today that I happened to learn of her passing.

The first time I ever represented a client in court was as a "law school graduate" before Judge Smith. I had passed the bar, but was not yet sworn in and was terrified that she would not allow me to stand in for my boss when he had a conflict. (He had insisted on referring to me as his "paralegal", rather than as his intern, when seeking her permission for me to appear in his place. A paralegal would not have met the "law graduate" exception for representation set out in the U.S. Code. I heard her on the speakerphone warn him that an attorney had better be there in his place, or he would be given a rule to show cause!) As I was standing in the hallway, I could hear her giving some attorney a "good talking to" through the closed door. I had explained my situation to an experienced attorney who was standing next to me and asked his assessment. He assured me that considering the mood she appeared to be in, I was definitely going to be "dead meat"!

I am quite certain I was actually trembling as I stood before her, expecting the worst. She allowed me to proceed and I was able to squeak out a request to continue the Master Hearing due to the attorney's conflict. I could tell that she felt sorry for me, but that she also found my obvious terror of her and her reputation very amusing.

Although she usually displayed a "no-nonsense" demeanor, after Judge Smith got to know you she would greet you with a smile as you took your seat and would let her humorous side show on occasion. I know one attorney who didn't consider it a good day in her court unless he managed to get her to crack a smile at one of his remarks! Judge Smith was always fair and I truly enjoyed practicing before her. I learned a great deal in her court and I will always remember her strong spirit, her sense of humor and her caring nature.

Rest in peace, Judge Smith. You will be truly missed.

In a fleeting moment of time your life is touched by someone of grace and magnificence, and you sense that this is really a connection much greater then the occasion. You are struck with an indelible impression of that moment, which remains with you forever. Such is the case with the Judge when my wife Niina appeared before her. She and I celebrate her spirit, charm, smile, grace, intelligence and court room demeanor. We celebrate her life.

Our sister and your loved one will be truely missed. May God keep you in this difficult time....great strength comes from faith in God. Zechariah 12:5

I walked into the classroom on the first day of class, and Judge Smith shot me a smile. A few moments later, she provided that “immigration law is difficult, but we are going to learn it and get through it together, because we are lawyers.” That vote of confidence was all I needed to have immense respect for Judge Smith as a professor. Her confidence in my classmates and me made me feel excited about learning immigration law. As the weeks passed, Judge Smith succeeded in breaking the complex material down into manageable components, which the class learned thoroughly. Since she invited her students to attend her court proceedings, I also learned a lot by watching her in court. In both the classroom and the courtroom, Judge Smith was attentive, compassionate, and thorough while being quick. Those traits, combined with her organized teaching style, made her an excellent role model.

At minimum, I can say that taking Judge Smith’s class made me feel confident about practicing immigration law. However, what I am most grateful for is the fact that she provided an excellent example of what a lady can be: intelligent, compassionate, beautiful, and successful in her career. Thus, I feel very fortunate to have met Judge Smith, and I will always be grateful for her example. She was an incredible person.

I went to Law School with Renetta. We studied together ate barbequed sausage sandwiches, McDonalds Big Macs with extra sauce, egg sandwiches with apple jelly on white toast, went out dancing and even shared a few broken hearts together. We were Moot Court Partners. We campaigned together when Jesse Jackson sought the Democratic Nomination for President; she called us the "Kool-Aid Kids" because of our blind dedication and enthusiasm for Jesse. We were even sworn-in together. We ate lunch together in the early days when she was the first Associate at Carter and Cates in New Orleans. We even stood in the unemployment line together, her with her Louis Vuitton and me with my Gucci handbag. After she moved to Hammond and later back to Chicago, our lives slowly drifted apart. I remember when we used to laugh and talk about what we wanted to do after law school. I remember when she was featured in Southern Law Schools "Reflections" magazine. I loved her like a sister! It broke my heart to hear that she had passed away. Now that she has passed away, I will always remember her as young and beautiful, intelligent, generous, full of love and fire. I liked the way she used to snap her head when she was being sassy. The Heavens may be glad to have her join in, but this soul on earth, will miss her dearly. I love you Soror. Be at Peace...

Sometimes in life you come across people who touch your soul in some way, people who engage you every minute your around them, people who engulf you with their inner beauty, people who can never be forgotten. Judge Smith you were one of those people and I speak for many when I say, you Judge Smith will never be forgotten.

Thank you for marking my soul with your presence, I only hope that someday we meet again.

Your Governor,


Will Calero, Esquire

My life is more blessed for having known my colleague, Professor Renetta Smith. She was an absolute joy and her students at the FAMU College of Law admired her and respected her. She is home with the Father.

As a former student of Judge Smith at the FAMU College of Law, I must say that she was a remarkable professor and will be deeply missed.

She always led by example, and took great care in nurturing her students until they blossomed.

The FAMU College of Law family will miss you dearly. I personally thank you for shining your light on me and my peers.

Your spirit lives within us through your instruction both inside and outside the classroom. We are all stronger because of you.

Rest easy, there are no worries when in the arms of the ancestors.
FAMU COL Spring 06'

To the Smith family, thank you for sharing your daughter with us. She will always be remembered for her beautiful smile and wonderful personality. May god keep you in his loving arms.

My deepest sympathy is extended to the Smith Family on the loss of Renetta. May you find peace in the good which you shared with her. The spirit of her being lives on.

May God be with you always i will never forget you.(Doreen Beckwith)FLORENCE,ALABAMA

Renetta will be remembered and missed by all of us from Howard University. I have not seen Renetta since she left Howard University in 1982. May she rest in peace! With my deepest sympathy to her family.

It is sad to hear that we have lost soror Renetta Smith. For those of us who believe in a risen Saviour we know that she is in a better place. My thoughts & prayers are with the family, friends and sorors at this time of tranisition.

I will always remember Renetta as an extremely proud AKA who didn't take no stuff, but who also had a soft side. It seems like only yesterday that we were pledging under her. She helped form us into dedicated AKA's, and I will never forget her. Rest in peace, Most Gracious Lady.

12-A-81

Renetta's beautiful smile will remain with me forever. I have wonderful and funny memories of Renetta from freshman year to pledging together to being my first line sister to meet my future husband. God's continued strength to the Smith family and my Tenaciously Entwined 29 line sisters as we adjust to life without Renetta's physical presence.

May God Bless Renetta, her family, and all those who mourn this very special Ivy Beyond the Wall.
Soror Blanchita P. Porter, Rho Xi Omega Chapter, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

The last time I saw Renetta was at our graduation in 1982. She was such a sweetheart. May she rest in peace.

May God's grace and peace comfort your family at this difficult time
and may your memory live on.

Robin Duncan-Chisolm
Howard Univ Class 85

We pray for the strength and faith of Renetta's family during this season of bereavement. We will always remember her smile.

i join with my Howard family and beloved sorors of Alpha Chapter, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. in mourning the passing of Most Gracious Lady Renetta Smith. For those of us who knew her, her influence and impressions are indelible. She pushed us to become our best. May you be comforted in knowing how much she was loved and respected, and in the simple fact that she's in a better place. We pray that God's loving grace will continue to sustain yo in this time of loss.

I really enjoyed coming to Judge Smith's courtroom. She was always enthusiastic and caring. I still think of her daily. My deepest sympathy to you and your family and my prayers that your pain is quickly replaced with smiles and wonderful thoughts whenever you think of how beautiful Judge Smith was. She is sorely missed.

My prayers are with the family. She was a classmate of mine at Howard U. I had not seen her in years.

Jimmy White

To the family, may God comfort and keep you in your celebration of Judge Renetta Smiths life.

Renetta blessed our lives with her spirit. I will never forget our first meeting in 1979 and our "pledge" time together. I cannot imagine that experience without her and I am thankful for the times we shared. She is now tasting unimaginable joy resting in the Everlasting Arms. That is Good News in the midst of our sorrow!
Donna (2-A-1979)

Raynetta was a beautiful soror and she will be missed. God blessed us with her presence and now He has called her to be with him. Her smile is more radiant now than it was while she was here on Earth. May God Bless each of you in your time of sorrow. My prayers are with you.

Renetta was one of many who helped me on my journey to become an Alpha Kappa Alpha woman at Howard, and for this I'll always be grateful. Her pain is gone, she is now at peace and she leaves a legacy for all to take pride in.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Most Gracious Lady Renetta Smith. Because she has touched so many lives, her spirit will live on through our fond memories of her.

I met Renetta while attending the Southern Univ. School of Law. She was a remarkable colleague and a beautiful friend. I am so elated to know that she was a student of the word of God.

To her family, this is what the word says: "But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethen, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope.

For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.

For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep.

For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.

Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.

Therefore comfort one another with these words." I Thessalonians 4:13-18. May God bless and keep you always.

To the Smith Family,
May God's eternal love be your Rock during this difficult time of loss and transition. I pray God's power and presence will be your strength and His living word will be your guiding light during the days, weeks, months, and years that lie ahead.

Please know that Renetta touched many lives in a positive way. Those of us who knew her from undergrad days at Howard U. will always maintain fond memories. May God continually comfort you. our loss=heaven's gain.
ddupree

Renetta was an incredible example of a strong, proud Alpha Kappa Alpha woman. I will always treasure the lessons I learned from her. The world is a little dimmer now that her bright light has gone. Rest in Peace Most Gracious Lady.

Renetta is a beautiful soul who has now transitioned to the beautiful embrace of God. Her spirit lives on, her laughter and her smile are always available to us when we pause and remember. Let the light of her spirit shine on. It was a joy to be with her on the Tenaciously Entwined 29 of Alpha Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. To her parents, brother and family, know that you were blessed and the work she did here will forever be positively felt by those she touched.

A classmate in Law School and now in a class of Angels. My best wishes to the family.

I kept putting this off as it really brings her departure to finality. I loved Renetta as a sister, a colleague and friend. We welcomed her into our family in Orlando. She loved my son Brandon and always enjoyed talking to him. She brought glamour, class and culture to the court and the city of Orlando--made us all dress up to see the Three Mo Tenors and we loved her for it. It is hard to believe someone so full of excitement and the love of life could leave us so soon. NO MORE PAIN--she is in heaven with God and waiting for us to join her one day. Parents-know that she was loved and much respected and she shall truly be missed....sail on my sista. Love ya and missing you!!

To my Chum Renetta,
You were the angel God sent just for me on that day we first met. You have forever changed my daughter and my life. God' blessing and comfort to your family during this time of celebrating YOUR life.

Renetta is leaving a big hole here on earth, but heaven is receiving a wonderful angel. I'm glad she'll be looking out for all of us.

May god bless you all and know that Renetta is in a better place. She is with you all in spirit

My deepest sympathy for your loss.

My Deepest Sympathy to the Family and Friends. May God soon heal your pain.

We grieve with the family of Renetta and pray they will find peace and comfort in happy memories of her and in the sure knowledge that Renetta is now at peace in the arms of God. May God bless and comfort you.
Judge and Mrs Jack Staton
El Centro,CA

I picture Judge Renetta Smith now, robed in glowing white, giving her uplifting help in God's offices and courts. She volunteered in many projects here, inspiring many others to do the same and involving us with her spirit of community.
My prayers are for her and especially for her beloved family, though I know your/her faith will get you through.
Katherine Kirsheman, Ct.Interpreter
Orlando Immigration Court

There are no word to say to the ease the pain when someone you love dies. My prayers and sympathy are with Renetta's family and friends at what is a very difficult time. If there is any comfort to be had, it is knowing that she is no longer in physical discomfort and that she is most definitely in a better place. My prayers are with you all.

And Renetta has been called home to be with her God and all secrets are now known to her. May your spirit live free and your hopes and dreams be realized in the next life. May your family find peace at this difficult time.

May God's love and peace comfort the Smith family--and may Renetta's loving soul rest peacefully forever. I thank God for Alpha Kappa Alpha and all of my tenaciously entwined line sisters--especially now. May our memories of each other keep us forever united.

Dear Judge Smith, I will always remember our chats. Your legacy will live on in all those that you touched. God bless you and your family.

Renetta was well respected and an inspiration to many. She will be greatly missed but never forgotten.

I am ever grateful to God for allowing Renetta to touch my life. Her laughter and way of making others laugh was one of her amazing gifts.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

We loved Renetta because she was such a beautiful person, inside and out. Her love for the Lord was infectious. May the Lord keep her spirit and bless her family always.

Bert and Monica Allen

To Renetta's family. Our family is praying for you all, rejoicing in the reward of eternal life for Renetta. Her friendship, personality and rich ccntribution to this life will be remembered. May God give you his riches blessings in this season.

Judge Smith's laugher, sparkling smile and positive energy will be missed by the Orlando Immigration Court!

I am so sorry at the lost of your daughter. May God bless you and your family.

I will always remember Renetta's kindness and beautiful smile. Rest in peace my Longwood sister.

My prayers are with the family. May God confort you in this time of need. I was a co-worker for many years.

My dear Sister/colleague, you are finally in the hands of the Lord. For that we rejoice, and we celebrate your wonderful life. Your friend, Rafel

Renetta had such a great love for her parents and certainly enjoyed being Darryl's older sister. I will miss my friend and linesister but take comfort in knowing she is in GOD's hands. Rhonda, Art, Kirstin and AJ

Prayers and blessings to the Smith Family. Rest in peace, my dear Sister. I will always remember your energy ... our Longwood crew would not have been the same without you ...

Renetta was a person of integrity, courage, and great humanity. Her strong belief in God was inspirational to the many people whose lives she influenced, including mine. God Bless You.

We are so sorry for the loss of our line sister. Renetta loved Alpha Kappa Alpha tenaciously. Rest in peace Number 7.

To the Smith Family, GOD's blessings of mercy and comfort be with you. Renetta will always be a beautiful person whose beautiful soul is a gift to all who know and were touched by her. Her smile will last forever.

We are so sad at the loss of our beloved soror and friend, Renetta Smith. May God continue to keep the family lifted in prayer at this difficult time. I will always remember that Renetta loved three things deeply, her family, friends and Alpha Kappa Alpha. We will cherish these memories forever. Rest in peace Most Gracious Lady Renetta Smith.

We are very sad to learn of the passing of Renetta. My God welcome her home after a short stay on earth.
Jerry and Karen Williamson

Our deepest sympathy to the Smith Family. We will always remember her warm and friendly smile. It was an honor and a privilege to know her. God Bless.

I remember Renetta from Law School at Southern University. She was bright and always very serious about her work. She was a great person. I'm sad to learn of her passing.

GOD REST HER SOUL, RENETTA WILL BE MISSED

May the Lord be with you now and always!

God Bless

As we remember Renetta, we shall all receive our strongth from God. May God keep us in his graces and help us in our time of need. Karl and Faye Banks

I pray that you, my family receive the comfort and peace from the Lord. God graced us with her presence for 47 years and I know she was as graceful and loving as her name sake.

What a fine picture of Renetta, a young woman who greated life with that great, welcoming and engaging smile! Those of us who knew her were graced with that smile and blessed thereby. Christians are always challenged by their faith at a time of loss. If we believe, we know that the loss is not eternal nor is the sorrow without hope. But when parents loose a child (for our sons and daughters are always our children), the test is maximum and the need for support is the same. My deepest condolences to Mr. & Mrs.
Smith and may we all link arms in supportive prayers for them.

To the family of Renetta Smith,god
is with you forever.