After finishing high school I was Hampton (Institute) bound.
Little did I know that the Hampton experience would have far more of an impact than just providing me with a degree and preparation for my professional
journey. One outcome that I cherish is that through the Hampton experience, “friends for life” were established. To that end, I found a friend for life in
Kitti F. Smith.
While we went our separate ways upon graduation, I could always count
on seeing Kitti at Homecoming or our Class Reunions. Over the years, post
graduation, she found herself battling many health challenges. But what I admired
most was that Kitti did not let challenges
stop her from always “being her B.E.S.T.” - serving, being positive,
putting others first, maintaining a standard of excellence, taking risks,
showing gratitude.
At a point in time, my career landed me in the Philadelphia area
where Kitti lived. This move reunited us on a more regular basis. Kitti made
sure upon my arrival in town that one of the first things I did was attend a
meeting of the Philadelphia Chapter of the National Hampton Alumni
Association. What I soon came to realize was that Kitti was
actively serving our alma mater- recruiting students, raising funds,
encouraging alumni to engage. Since I lived in the suburban area, she
encouraged me to become a charter member of the Valley Forge Chapter. Kitti
didn't just volunteer her time at the
local level but served consistently at the regional and national
levels, ultimately serving as Regional President and National
Recording Secretary. She valued the Hampton experience and as a "lifelong
teacher" she wanted students to have the same opportunity she had to obtain an “education for life”.
When I relocated to Columbus, OH, we continued to stay in touch.
In fact, because of my husband she became a Buckeye fan. So football season
found her cheering for the Pirates and Buckeyes! As her health challenges escalated, we stayed
in touch by phone. During our many conversations, Kitti never complained- she
would say “I'm alright.” Kitti always reminded me she loved the Lord and
trusted Him. And I could count on her phone message to have an encouraging word
and scriptural reference. After her
first toe amputation, I called and couldn't reach her and became concerned.
Finally, she called back and said “I just had to get out of the house and so I
drove myself to the store.” That was the way she was - unafraid to take risks.
Then there was the time she was concerned about her house not
being in order; physically exhausted, she still wanted to maintain her “standard of excellence”(another Hampton
lesson). And despite the pain, she continued to focus on encouraging others.
Our class could count on Kitti being there-
providing an update, offering words of encouragement and reminding us to
support our alma mater. One day upon returning home. there was a box outside my
door and when I looked at the address it was from Kitti. Upon opening it, there was a beautiful elephant, an expression of
her love. Despite her physical challenge, she found a way to the post office to
send me something special.
I will miss my dear classmate and friend, but will always remember
how she modeled “being your B.E.S.T.” in all circumstances- staying positive, focusing
on others, maintaining a standard of excellence, not fearing taking risks, and
always showing love. This tribute is to
Kitti F. Smith for “letting her life do the singing!”
