Pauline Robinson Smith

Pauline was raised in the Smithfield community in Birmingham, Alabama and educated in the Birmingham City School System. Pauline attended Brunetta C. Hill Elementary School and at the tender age of 16, graduated with the 1967 Class of A.H. Parker High School. She furthered her education by attending Miles College in Birmingham, Alabama where she received her Bachelor’s Degree; Alabama State University where she received her Masters in Educational Leadership; and The University of Alabama at Birmingham where she received her Educational Specialist degree and was a member of Phi Beta Kappa honor society.

Pauline confessed Christ at an early age and joined St. Paul A.M.E. Church. She would later join Grant Chapel A.M.E. Church where she served as a faithful member for over 30 years. Pauline’s current membership was with Sixth Avenue Baptist Church where she served on several committees and assisted her husband with weekly food deliveries to students at Hemphill and Oxmoor Elementary Schools.

On July 14, 1973, Pauline married “the love of her life,” Leslie Clyde Smith, and to this union were born two children, Janine Louise and Brian Patrick. Together, Leslie and Pauline would enjoy 46 years of marriage. They were truly each other’s best friend.

For over 35 years, Pauline served the students of the Birmingham City School System as both an educator and administrator at Jones Valley High School (1970-1989); Wenonah High School (1989-1990); Ensley High School where she was the Assistant Principal (1990-1995); Center Street Middle School where she was the Assistant Principal (1995-1997); and Lincoln Middle School where she was Principal (1997-2003). “Mrs. P. Smith,” as she was affectionately called, was both revered and respected by her students and colleagues. She currently served as the 2nd Vice-President of the Birmingham Retired Educators Association.

During her time at Miles College, Pauline “saw the light” and in the Fall of 1970 joined other “college trained women” to charter the Gamma Pi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. From 1970 until her passing in 2020, Pauline enjoyed continuous financial membership in AKA. Even as her body began to fail her, her mind and spirit were focused on her beloved AKA! Pauline was a Life Member and in 2020 became a Golden Soror.

On April 12, 2020, Pauline joined the ranks of many other “Precious Pearls” and became an Ivy Beyond the Wall. Preceding her in death were her parents, Willie and Louise Robinson; brother, Joe Cephas Robinson; and sisters, Eddie Mae Haney and Barbara Ann Goldsmith.

Pauline’s indelible legacy will live on through fond and cherished memories by husband, Leslie Clyde Smith; daughter, Janine Louise Smith; son, Brian Patrick (Shetera) Smith; grandchildren, Brianna Javon Smith and Justin Ahmad Smith and a host of other family members, sorors, colleagues and friends far too numerous to name.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Davenport and Harris Funeral home in Birmingham, Alabama. The remains will lie in state for public viewing on Friday, April 17, 2020 from noon until 3 p.m. in the Chapel at Davenport and Harris. A private memorial service is planned. A public Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.