Rebecca Jeffers Smith

She was born in Baltimore, Maryland, on December 29, 1930, to John Jeffers and Eugenia Chandler Jeffers. At an early age, Rebecca enjoyed learning. She attended George F. Bragg High School in Sparrows Point, Maryland, graduating in 1947 and named valedictorian of her class. This educational success earned her a four year merit scholarship. She attended Morgan State University, and earned a bachelor’s degree in English, minoring in History. After teaching high school for five years, she decided to join the U.S. Air Force to learn more about the world. She received a commission as Second Lieutenant, initially hoping to become a pilot. However, due to limitations placed on female opportunities during those times, she was unable to serve in that capacity. Rather she became an esteemed Administrative Officer. Over the years, she talked fondly of her times in the military, frequently commenting on how she immensely enjoyed being stationed both in Greece and in Turkey.

After serving in the U.S. Air Force, Rebecca moved to Springfield, Massachusetts, where she met and married the love of her life, Joseph Delchrist Smith. After marrying, they had a daughter, Alison Eugenia Smith, whom they both loved and adored tremendously. Due to Rebecca’s continued thirst and love for learning, she decided to return to school and received her master’s degree in Social Work from Smith College School of Social Work in Northampton, Massachusetts. After graduating, she became a clinical social worker in the public and private arenas. This work included being the Chief Psychiatric Social Worker at Springfield Hospital and an adjunct faculty member at both Smith College School of Social Work and Western New England College in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Rebecca and Joseph remained happily married for over 40 years until his unexpected passing. While married, they enjoyed life to its fullest. They traveled the world to different continents. Also, they had a regular routine of waking up early in the mornings to discuss current politics and world affairs. Further, they thoroughly enjoyed spending quality time with family and friends—some of whom traveled with them.

Rebecca is survived by her daughter, Alison Smith-Lynn; son-in-law, Thaddeus K. Lynn, MD; sister, Helen Pessin; cousins Mable Wallace and Alvin Carter, Sr.; and a host of other beloved family members and friends all with their own cherished memories of this truly remarkable woman.

A small, private visitation for immediate family members will be held at Georgia Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery on August 15, 2020. Expressions of sympathy may be sent directly to Georgia Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, 2000 Cobb Parkway, S.E., Marietta, Georgia 30060 or by visiting www.georgiamemorialpark.com and searching for Rebecca Jeffers Smith.