Dr. Louise B. Smith

IN THE CARE OF
Laurel Land Funeral Home & Laurel Land Memorial Park

“A Woman of Vision”

Dr. Louise Blount Smith lived a joyous and fulfilling life. She was a loving, caring, and compassionate person who will be remembered as a classy, woman of excellence by all who knew and loved her.

The former Louise Constance Blount was born in Baltimore, the seventh child of James Henry Blount and Eva Irene Mundell Blount. She grew up in west Baltimore and attended Baltimore City public schools. After graduating high school, Louise married James Henry Smith. She had a lifelong desire to be a teacher and was able to achieve this goal with the help of her devoted husband.

Louise not only achieved her goal of becoming a teacher but she also rose to the position of principal. Lou, as she was known by family and friends, was awarded Bachelor of Science and Master’s degrees from Towson State College (now University). She also completed additional studies at the University of Maryland, Loyola College, and Coppin State College (now University). Louise attended advanced courses for Principals and an Advanced Professional Certificate from the Maryland State Department of Education. She received a Doctor of Humanities degree from the Family Bible College and Seminary.

During her professional career, Louise held many different positions such as classroom teacher, demonstration teacher, supervising teacher, senior teacher, assistant principal, and principal. Louise loved her work and only retired in 1991 from serving as an elementary school principal after repeated requests from her husband, who had retired three years earlier. He wanted her to be home with him!

After retirement, Louise enjoyed spending time with her husband, traveling, and volunteering at various organizations in the Baltimore area. She continued to make room for her love of education by serving as supervisor to graduate and undergraduate students at Coppin State College.

An energetic, multitalented, dynamic Christian woman, Louise served in many capacities in churches throughout the Baltimore-Washington Conference (BWC) of the United Methodist Church. She held positions as church school teacher, Superintendent of Vacation Bible schools, Vice President United Methodist Women; President BWC United Methodist Minister’s Wives; Secretary Interdenominational Minister’s Wives Alliance; Secretary BWC Council on Finance and Administration, BWC Instructor/Trainer Church School teachers, Delegate Jurisdictional Conference UMC, Co-Chair Bishops Appointee Clergy Sexual Misconduct Committee; Instructor United Methodist School of Missions.

Louise was married to the Rev. Dr. James Henry Smith who preceded her in death. Rev. Smith was the beloved pastor at several local churches throughout the BWC and Louise was the consummate “First Lady” where he served.

Louise held membership in several social, beneficial, and professional organizations including: Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, The First Friday Nighter’s, Leah’s Book Club, The Sassy Chicks of Owings Mills, Valleybrook Improvement Association, National Education Association, Maryland State Teacher’s Association, and the NAACP.

Louise lived a long life and made room for her own personal passions and pursuits. She enjoyed fun times with family and friends, entertaining at home, reading avidly, playing the piano, and exercising.

In 2021, Louise moved from Baltimore, Maryland to Dallas, Texas with her daughter, LaResa, and son-in-law, Norman. Her extended family has lived in Dallas for many years and were all devoted to Aunt Louise, as they lovingly called her. The transition to Texas in this season of Louise’s life allowed her to enjoy attention and love, not only from family, but also from the members of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship where she received the right hand of fellowship.

Louise Blount Smith died on December 17, 2022. She was 91 years of age.

Louise was the last living child of James and Eva Blount and was preceded in death by her five sisters and three brothers. Two grandchildren also preceded her in death.

Louise is survived by three daughters Dr. Sandra Yvonne Blount of Atlanta, GA,; Jamesetta Juanita McAlily, of Baltimore, MD and Rev. Dr. LaReesa Celestine Smith-Horn (Norman) Owings Mills Md. She left a indelible mark on five grandchildren (two preceded her in death), sixteen great-grandchildren, sixteen great-great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.