Mary Catherine "Kitty" Smith

Life Legacy Rev. Dr. Mary Catherine Smith was born on January 22, 1944, in Baltimore, Maryland. As one of 17 brothers and sisters, she quickly and proudly claimed her birthright as the only child born to Bishop Heber M. Brown, Sr., and Ruby Forbes. “Kitty,” as she was affectionately known, grew up in Baltimore and was educated in Baltimore Public Schools. A self-described “poor black girl from Fairfield Projects who made it all the way to the White House,” Kitty’s humble beginnings propelled her to climb to the highest heights personally, professionally, and academically. She received a Bachelor of Science Degree from Morgan State University; a Master of Arts from Antioch University; and a Doctor of Ministry from Virginia University of Lynchburg, School of Religion. Dr. Smith worked for nearly 20 years at the Headquarters office of the Social Security Administration where she traveled the country leading workshops on sexual harassment and equality for women long before those issues were part of public discourse. The highlight of her career in the federal government was being honored by former First Lady Patricia Nixon in 1975. She had tea with Nixon at the White House and that evening received a national volunteer award at the Kennedy Center. At the time of her retirement, Dr. Smith was the National Director of Women’s Affairs at the Social Security Administration. She moved to Charlotte County, Virginia, in 1983 and worked as a social worker with the Department of Social Services. In 1989 she was appointed Legislative Assistant in the Virginia General Assembly and worked several years as a member of the Virginia House of Delegates. In 1994 “Rev. Kitty” was appointed Minister of Christian Education at Race Street (Jericho) Baptist Church in Farmville, Virginia. At the same time, she started her own consulting agency, “Smith and Associates,” and traveled extensively conducting job readiness and personal development workshops for women receiving public assistance. In 1997 she became Pastor of the Oak Grove Baptist Church in Buckingham, Virginia. It was no secret that being a pastor was not her first choice of profession, but she answered the call and held the line with humility and a deep commitment to service for 25 years. In June 2005, Pastor Smith was consecrated Overseer for the State of Virginia Praise Covenant Interdenominational Fellowship of Churches which is headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland. Dr. Smith has received countless awards, citations, and commendations. She wore many hats and titles and was known in many capacities, including radio broadcaster, civic leader, mentor, and community activist. A lifelong learner, she proudly walked across the stage at age 63 to accept her doctorate in ministry. Her life experiences, victories, and valleys were the backdrop for many of her most soul-stirring sermons: The Taming of the Shrew, Wandering in the Wilderness, Some Good Things About Bad Women, If Not Now Then When?, Being Battle Ready, Can You Stand to be Blessed and The Anatomy of Love. Family members who preceded her in death include Rev. Eric Lorenzo Caraway, Sr. (son), Bishop Heber Brown, Sr. (father), Ruby “Mama Ruby” Forbes (mother), Beatrice Smith and Billie Thrower (sisters), Dabney Smith (husband), Leroy Norris, James Forbes and Jerry Norris (brothers). She leaves to celebrate her life: Daughter (in-law), Katrina Morris; three grandchildren, Chanel (William Keith), Eric, Jr., and Erin; two great-grandchildren, Charlotte Rose and William Gavin; four brothers, Richard (Jean) Norris of Maryland; Carl (Joyce) Norris of Arizona; Bishop Heber (Jacqueline) Brown of Maryland, and Pastor James (Marilyn) Brown of New Jersey; seven sisters: Mary Cooper, Betty Gordon, Rose (Sloan) Gordon of Pennsylvania; Beatrice (Winston) Bethea, and Cora (Albert) Hardy of New Jersey; Shirley (Rudolph) Isabelle; Anna (James) Forbes of Maryland. A vast host of other relatives, extended family, church members, and friends enriched her life with immense love and support. In her own words: “I am proud of all of my life experiences. There have been some valleys and some hills, but the hills have outnumbered the valleys.” “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty…” Psalm 91

Tributes

Mary Catherine "Kitty" Smith

January 22, 1944 - July 27, 2023