Alma Smith

Alma Smith, a beacon of compassion and commitment, departed this earthly realm on November 9, 2025, at the age of 94. Born on December 29, 1930, she embraced the world with a loving spirit that shaped the lives of many her journey through both education and civic service.

Alma's career spanned more than three decades, during which she diligently served in the Chicago Public School District and the Vicksburg Public Schools. As both a classroom teacher and a school counselor, she imparted not only knowledge but also wisdom and encouragement to countless children, nurturing the next generation with her unwavering dedication to their growth and development.

Her academic pursuits began at Chicago State University, where Alma majored in Early Childhood Education. She furthered her commitment to the field by earning a Master’s Degree, equipping herself with the tools necessary to foster young minds with love and care.

Alma's life was marked not only by her professional accomplishments but also by her profound personal convictions. A seeker after God, she dedicated herself to her faith, embodying a spirit of service that extended beyond the classroom. Throughout her life, she ardently supported civil rights initiatives, engaging deeply with organizations such as Operation Breadbasket and Operation Push in Chicago during the 1970s. Her commitment did not waver; she was a long-time member and active worker within the NAACP, contributing to numerous causes with her unyielding passion.

In her community, Alma lent her hands and heart to the Beulah Cemetery Restoration Committee and worked faithfully with the AARP, where she sought to uplift and advocate for those in need, demonstrating her unwavering belief in the power of community and service.

Alma forged a loving legacy through her family. She is survived by her three sons, Kirk, Kyle, and Kevin Smith, who carry forward the values she instilled in them. Alma took great joy in her role as grandmother to eight beloved grandchildren and as a doting great-grandmother to sixteen great-grandchildren, each of whom benefited from her kindness and wisdom. She is also remembered by her cherished siblings: Hortense Bright, Albertine Grooms, and her brother, Albert C. Irwin, Jr.

She now joins her parents, Albert C. Irwin, Sr. and Clementine Irwin, and her sister Eloise Sandal, who welcomed her back into their embrace, rejoicing in the reunion of their family.

The Celebration of Life honoring Alma Smith will be held at C J Williams Mortuary Center in Vicksburg, Mississippi, on November 11, 2025, at 3:00 PM. As we come together to remember her remarkable life and the indelible impact she made, we find solace in her legacy—a testament to a life dedicated to family, education, faith, and civil rights. Alma Smith will be profoundly missed but forever cherished in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her.