Henrietta Mays Smith

Henrietta Mays Smith was born May 2, 1922 in Harlem, New York; the second of two girls born to Nettie Johnson Mays and Henry Lucas Mays. Henrietta's early education was in public schools in New York City. She received her Bachelor's of Art degree from Hunter College where she studied English and History with thoughts of teaching. She switched her professional focus to library science after spending time as a dedicated volunteer at the 135th Street Library in Harlem. As Henrietta moved forward in her career, she earned her doctorate from the University of Miami in 1975. Henrietta loved being a part of the library profession and the highlights of her career were practicing and sharing with the world the art of storytelling. As time progressed, Henrietta went to Tallahassee, Florida and worked as a library book cataloger at Florida A&M College. It was here that she met the love of her life, Isiah Courtney Smith. I.C. Smith as he was known, was a native Floridian and a student at FAMC who was studying to prepare himself for law school. He and Henrietta's relationship blossomed during this time. When he applied to law school in Florida he was refused entry due to segregation laws. He then came to New York where he attended Brooklyn Law School. While I.C. studied to become an attorney, Henrietta worked in the NYC Library system, building her skills in library administration and storytelling. They were married on January 1, 1949 at Henrietta's home church, Grace Congregational Church of Harlem. As many who know her are aware, Henrietta was a very active community service person throughout her life in New York and in Florida. She taught Sunday School, helped start Girl Scout programs, was a Girl Scout leader, and helped run summer camp programs. Henrietta was about anything that would help young people grow and advance. She wanted to see them become persons who gave of themselves to help others. She worked diligently to leave her legacy in her church homes, Grace Congregational and Church of the Palms Congregational. She also leaves her footprint in the numerous community and professional organizations she joined - Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Frances J Bright Women's Club and its Debutante program, American Library Association, Coretta Scott King Awards Committee, Eric Carle Honoree and so many more. Service was her life's mantra. This was the way Henrietta and I.C. taught and impacted their children, daughter Cynthia and son Robin to go forth in their lives as well. Following the ways of God's plan, throughout their 63 years of marriage had an impact on their family and many others whose paths crossed hers. Dr. Henrietta Mays Smith will not ever be forgotten. Truly a Woman of Love and Compassion. A Woman of Enduring Knowledge. A Woman of Adventure. A True Woman of God. She did it in the way that God directed her. Fulfilling her life’s plan as God laid it before her. Dr. Smith leaves a legacy of love that includes her late husband Judge I.C. Smith; daughter Rev. Cynthia Smith Jackson (James); son, Robin Smith; sister Emily Mays (preceded her in death}; Dorothy Smith Bender, sister-in-law; Leroy Smith, brother-in-law (Ruthye). Always in her heart (and ours) are carried her grandchildren, her godchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, special friends, colleagues and so many others she loved and cherished near and far throughout her life. Per the family's request in lieu of flowers, all donations can be made to: giving.usf.edu/online. (Highlight the link, right click and select "Go to..."). Once on the page, click on “Search for specific fund”, enter the fund # 426059 which is Dr. Henrietta M. Smith Youth Services Fund.