Smith, Dennis-Smith Funeral Home | Atlanta, GA

Obituary For Cynthia Williams Smith

Celebration Of Life Services for Mrs. Cynthia Williams Smith of Atlanta a retiree of Atlanta Public Schools (DM Therrell High School and Central Office)will held Friday October 9, 2020 at 1:00pm in our Chapel. Viewing 1:pm to 6:00pm Thursday October 8, 2020. Please adhere to social distancing and wearing a mask during viewing and Funeral Service. Service will be Live Stream the day of service (go to: www.smithdennissmithfuneralhome.com).

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning." – James 1:17 A child of the Kingdom of God, the epitome of strength, wisdom, and clarity in good times and bad – Cynthia Williams Smith, matriarch of the Williams-Smith family, departed this life in the early morning hours of Monday, October 5, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia.

A native of Newport News, Virginia, Cynthia was born on December 25, 1940 to the late Cary Williams Sr. and Bernice Douglas Williams. She was a founding family member of St. James United Methodist Church (UMC), in Newport News, VA. Although she lived in Atlanta, she remained in close contact with the families and childhood friends of St. James UMC, through phone calls, letters, contributions, cards, and visits. In Atlanta, she joined Gordon Road UMC, which later became Headland Heights UMC. When home in Newport News, she could also be found connecting with fellow Vikings of Huntington High School, where classmates were like a close brotherhood and sisterhood and where Cynthia’s mother and two brothers also graduated.

Being raised during the Civil Rights Movement, Cynthia experienced the harsh sting of Jim Crow laws and racial injustice. She used education as her greatest form of advocacy. She entered Shaw University, “Dear Ole Shaw U”, in Raleigh, North Carolina in 1958. It was there that she began her lifelong crusade for social justice and equity, using her position as editor of the college newspaper to organize and publicize meetings and sit-ins at Woolworth’s lunch counters and throughout the city. As president of her beloved Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority chapter, Cynthia regularly spoke at Black churches across the city to illicit participation in peaceful protests, marches and sit-ins. Her passionate rallying cries brought people from small counties and big cities alike.

The thorough, meticulous, task-oriented education she received at Shaw University, coupled with her consistent thirst for knowledge and irrepressible love of learning, prepared Cynthia well for graduate and post graduate studies at Atlanta University, Hampton University, and the University of Alabama, and for receiving a Masters in English, Specialist in Educational Administration and becoming a doctoral candidate at Georgia State University.

Cynthia relished in her career as a high school French-English teacher in Charlotte-Mecklenburg, Washington, D.C. and Atlanta Public Schools; Language Arts-Foreign Language Department Chairperson, Resource Teacher, Instructional Specialist, Staff Development Facilitator and K-12 System Language Arts Coordinator for the Atlanta Public Schools, from where she retired in 1996.

Throughout her distinguished career with the Atlanta Public Schools and State of Georgia, Cynthia was honored with many accolades and opportunities: Teacher of the Year, Star Teacher, Language Arts Standards and Curriculum Writer, State of Georgia Writer and Facilitator of Higher Order Thinking Skills professional development and organizer and director of the Foreign Language School.

One of her greatest joys was being a teacher at D.M. Therrell High School (THS). While teaching at THS, she taught from bell to bell, protecting all instructional time, to ensure that her students were ready to achieve academic and lifetime success. Many of her students were recognized for not only their hard work and dedication to scholastic success, but presently they also are known throughout the city and nation for their individual fortitude and prominence. Through instruction and encouragement, each of Cynthia’s students recognized their inner strength and truest abilities and reap the benefits of that today.

Cynthia’s greatest life accomplishment was mothering her one wonderful daughter and soror, Tia Janine Smith Lott, and later becoming “Memommy” to her grandsons Clayton Sherod Lott and Kingsly Douglas Lott. She instilled in them the Williams - Smith family value for education, equity, and advocacy. This legacy was also proven through her daughter and grandsons, who each pursued the same field.

Cynthia relished quality time with her small, but tight-knit family. In addition to her daughter and grandsons, Cynthia is survived by her beloved younger brother, Allan Wayne Williams, nieces, nephews, cousins, and honorary sons and daughters. She is predeceased by both parents and her older brother Cary Williams, Jr.

Guest Book

With deepest sympathy from the Headland Heights United Methodist Church (formerly Gordon Road) family.

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Tia, Clayton, Kinsley, and Wayne, It is with a very heavy heart that I express my sincere sympathy for the passing of my dearest Cousin {Sister} Cynthia. You know we loved each other very much. May God ease your heart as you go through this very hard time. I love you dearly. Cousin Glynn {Hampton,VA.}

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Condolences to Cynthia's friends and family, Tia and sons, Wayne, and cousins Jan and Karen. Peace and blessings to you all. Gloria Thomas Former Huntington Viking (Newport News)

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My greatest regret was never getting an opportunity to tell Mrs. Smith how she impacted my life and set me on my path as a writer. She saw something in me and wouldn't let me settle for being average. It was that tough love that helped me during my early college struggles. All I had to do is remember that I was already prepared for greatness. I just had to walk in it. Thank you Mrs. Smith, your teachings and influence was deeply appreciated.

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Condolences to Mrs. Smith's family . I absolutely adored Mrs. Smith . She was one of my favorite teachers who I attributed my passing English 101 at West Ga College! She demanded excellent from her students . R I H Mrs. Smith

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Mrs. Smith was one of the toughest teacher's I ever had. In her class good was not good enough, Mrs Smith Challenged us to be great. May you rest in eternal peace. Laymon M. Lightfoot D.M. Therrell C/O 90

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My sincere condolences to a great lady. She challenged us to be great and was a gatekeeper of excellence!! Rest in Heaven Mrs. Smith! - C. Finch THS c/o '87

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My condolences to the family Of Mrs Cynthia Smith

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Wow, she is literally the reason that I am an effective writer. Thank you Ms.Smith. I will never forget you. Reita Thurmond Johnson Therrell High School C/O 84

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Heartbroken at the loss of my dear , dear much beloved teacher then Soror then friend . She made an impact on so many lives . She was the ULTIMATE educator! Ultimate. I can't recall a period in my life where she was not thanked , mentioned , referenced, call on by me. Thanks Tia for sharing her . Thanks Lord for her. Constance L. B. Jordan ( Connie Bryant)

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- Smith, Dennis-Smith Funeral Home | Atlanta, GA