Tributes

The clock of life ticked for the earthly entrance of John B Smith, affectionately called "BBQ", born to the late Della Smith on July 10, 1933 in Greenville, North Carolina. The pendulum made its final swing on Saturday, February 11, 2012 as he peacefully slipped away. John completed his secondary education at C.M. Epps High School in 1951. Upon graduation, he matriculated at Livingstone College, Salisbury, NC. During his time at Livingstone College, he was a member of the Alpha Kappa Mu Honorary Society, President of the Math Club, member of the basketball team, and even though short in stature, he was the quarterback of the football team. He earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics and Science in 1955. His professional career took many paths and ended after over 40 years when he retired as a Principal from Pitt County Schools. John began his teaching caeer at Norwayne School in Wayne County where he taught Algebra and Geometry for two years prior to serving in the United States Army. After his honorable discharge having served two years, John returned to Greenville, NC and joined the C.M. Eppes High School faculty as an Algebra, Geometry, and Trigonometry teacher. He remained at Eppes High School until the integration of schools. During the tumultuous 1960's, he became one of the first Black teachers assigned to teachat the predominantly White School, E.B. Aycock Junior High School. John married Charlotte Jenkins on October 15, 1960. God blessed this union with a son, Rodney Keith Smith and a daughter, Tiffany Rashelle Smith Bryant. After the birth of Rodney, John attended Hampton University, Hampton, VA where he earned a Masters Degree in Mathematics while beginning certification as a Principal. He completed his Principal Certification from East Carolina University, Greenville, NC. He began his principalship at Elmhurst Elementarty School, followed by South Greenville Elementary, and ended his career at E.B. Aycock Junior High School. After retirement, John was known to many as a "Principal Extraordinaire" due to his firm discipline; "the principle with the paddle" and compassion for helping his students succeed. Pitt County Schools asked him to return as a "trouble shooter", assisting many principals within the school system for nearly twelve years, retiring a second time. John was initiated as a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. while on the campus of Livingstone College. Later, he joined the SCLC and was a member of the Rofelt Pasha Shrine Temple #175 for many years. John joined the York Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church at an early age. He loved his church dearly and served diligently as a Steward for many years; a member of the Men's Choir and most recently, the First Sunday Choir. He was preceded in death by a loving step-father, Parnell Bynum. John leaves to cherish his memories: his devoted wife, Charlotte; son, Rodney; daughter, Tiffany (Jesse); four grandchildren: India, Rodney, Tia, and Tyson; three sisters: Geraldine Cunningham, Bertha Carol Andrews (Adolph), and Arlene Smith (James); five brothers: William Worthington, James Worthington (Jerry), Ernest Worthington, Willie Mack Worthington, and Arnold Worthington; one aunt, Mary Smaw; six sisters-in-law: Deloris Brooks (James), Gussie Dickens (Ralph), Betti Hinton (Milton), Barbara Baker, Keretha Whitfield (Willie), and Glenda mayo (Dwight); two brothers-in-law, John Jnekins and Alton Jenkins (Terry); devoted cousins: James Daniels (Quincy), Addie Everette, Lucille Daniels, Phyllis Barrett, Martha Everette (George), Willie Mae Barrett, Margaret Umphrey (Gollon), Dora Burton, Ruby Williams (Ted), Betty Jo Robbins, Johnnie Streeter, and Willie Lee Barrett; a host of nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

Tributes

Mr. John Bobby "BBQ" Smith

July 10, 1933 - February 11, 2012