Ruth Naomi Smith-Robertson

Ruth Naomi Smith-Robertson, 91, of Springfield, Virginia, a career educator and school principal, transitioned from this life on February 22, 2015. Ruth was born in Cherokee County, South Carolina on March 15, 1923 to John Quincy Smith and Ella Smith. She was the tenth of eleven children that included sisters: Clara, Nancy Mae, Edith, Isabella "Bell", and Ovetia, and brothers: John "Bishop", Nathaniel, Noble, Herbert, and Edward. Her husband, Nathaniel "Nate" Robertson preceded her in death on August 25, 2006. Ruth was a passionate believer in the teachings of the Christian Science faith, and was very active in supporting the church. Also, as a career educator, she enjoyed providing advice and guidance in both formal community organizations as well as helping individual family members and friends. She retired in 1987 after serving simultaneously as the Principal of both the Gilbert Stuart Middle School and Vineyard/Reservoir Middle School in Providence, Rhode Island, dividing her time between the two schools. Prior to that she was the assistant Principal at Central High School in Providence, Rhode Island. Throughout her career she has taught a variety of subjects, including French and Business Management, at a number of schools in Providence, Rhode Island and Salisbury, Maryland. She was a nationwide recruiter of minority teachers, traveling around the country visiting universities, colleges and attending neighborhood events, identifying talented teachers for the local school system. Ruth worked as part of the Urban League, NAACP, League of Women Voters, the Black Heritage Foundation, and the Rhode Island College Foundation. She received a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of North Carolina, Greensboro and a Masters Degree from Temple University, Philadelphia. After retirement, Ruth and Nate settled in Sarasota, Florida and in 2005 relocated to Springfield, Virginia to be closer to family. Ruth loved her family, and is survived by her brother Edward Smith and sister Isabella "Bell" Smith, of Greensboro, NC; sister-in-law Margaret Smith of Greensboro, NC; nephews Gene Smith, of Charlotte, NC, Shedwick Smith, of Philadelphia, PA, Odell McWane, of Fresno, CA and Gilbert McWane, of Alexandria, VA; nieces Amelia Vinson and Clara Barnes, of Lincolnton, NC, Helen Smith, of Whitesboro, NJ, Maureen Streeter, of Philadelphia, PA, Stephanie Smith, of Greensboro, NC, Lorie Mack, of Concord, NC, and Livenia Williams, of Lincolnton, NC; step children Carol Davis, of Providence, RI, and Lorraine Byars, of Detroit, MI, and many grandnieces and grandnephews. Viewing will be held at Jefferson Funeral Chapel, 5755 Castlewellan Dr. Alexandria, VA from 3-6 PM on Friday, February 27, 2015. Interment will be at Rolling Green Memorial Park, 1008 West Chester Pike, West Chester, PA on Saturday at 12 Noon.

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Ruth Naomi Smith-Robertson

March 15, 1923 - February 22, 2015