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Kathryn Smith-Pace Obituary
Indianapolis - Kathryn Smith-Pace, 87 of Indianapolis passed away April 29, 2020. She was a graduate of Crispus Attucks HS, Class of 1950. She then attended Ball State University where she founded the Delta Phi chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority on the Ball State University campus in 1954. She was a member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. for 68 years.
Kathryn began teaching in the Gary Public School system in 1955, where she remained until she retired. After retirement, she eventually moved back to Indianapolis.
Kathryn is survived by her daughter, Kathryn Smith-Dakits; grandsons, Taylor and Troy James; stepmother, Mrs. Anne Miller of Carson, CA; brothers, Guy L. (Sue Carol) Miller III and Herbert T. (Vicky) Miller Sr.; sisters, Mrs. Lesly Gibson, Mrs. Theodore (Larry) Thomas, Mrs. Angela Tamrat Getacheu and Mrs. Elizabeth Miller; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.
A private family service was held at Grundy Memorial Chapel.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Kathryn Smith-Pace
Jennifer Mobley
February 19, 2022
To the family of Ms. Smith Pace, I offer my sincerest condolences. She was a wonderful teacher who exhibited kindness, compassion and a real love for her students. I was one of the first students at Daniel Hale Williams Elementary School and experienced her skills daily. I didn't have her as a teacher but looked forward to her smile and calm demeanor when I saw her in the hall. The last time I spoke to her was at the Williams School Reunion about 20 years ago. She made all of us feel that she had missed us terribly. No matter how old we were she made us feel safe and appreciated. Thank you for allowing us to share her all of these years. May God give you peace as you remember all of your sweet memories of her.
Kathryn Adele Smith-Diakite
February 23, 2021
Taylor and Troy were reunited with me during Covid 19 and George Floyd with us all having lived apart for some years. With much to know about our family's history where you are now I feel remiss not to say your legacy is where my thoughts of you will always be forever.
Kathryn Adele "Kathy" Smith
Kathryn Adele "Kathy" Smith
Michelle Gibson
October 12, 2020
Hey Kathy, so sad to learn this about your mom while looking for youmay God continue to hold up the family. Love ❤ you friend and again so sorry for the passing of your dear mother.
Alisha
May 16, 2020
Although I did not know Soror Smith-Pace personally, I am so grateful for her contribution to the founding of the Delta Phi Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated at Ball State University. Her legacy will forever live on. Not surprising that Soror Smith-Pace touched so many other lives in her career and personal life. Rest In Peace, Dear Soror.
Pamela Powers
May 9, 2020
My sympathy goes out to the entire family of a wonderful person. I had the opportunity to work closely with her as she founded the first elementary chapter of the National Honor Society in the city of Gary at Thea Bowman Leadership Academy. She was a proud yet humble person who strived to do her best and in turn brought the best out in others. She will be dearly remembered and missed in the field of education.
JoVone Elijah Barnes
May 9, 2020
Anybody who had her as a kindergarten teacher, knows how awesome she was. She was full of joy, and knew how to work with kids very well. One amazing teacher, one joyful teacher, one unforgettable teacher ❤
Charron Hull
May 8, 2020
She was an amazing teacher I was one of her students when she taught at Thea Bowman and Im a Junior soon to be Senior. When I heard about her passing it truly broke my heart. I still remember all the lessons she taught when I was in her kindergarten class. She made one of the biggest impact on life. She was an amazing women and a great mentor. RIH Mrs. Pace. She will forever have a place in my heart. She will never be forgotten. ♥
Destiny Armour
May 7, 2020
She was the Best Kindergarten Teacher and Just A Great Person in General. She will be missed.
Crystal Williams-French
May 7, 2020
There are SO many memories as I often wondered where or how Mrs Pace was. She was such a strong and remarkable woman making a difference at the beginning of many childrens lives. Although, 2 of my 3 children passed her way via Kindergarten, she taught the parents as well. Whether it was through her personal stories she shared or her real talk tell it like you need to hear it, she gained a lot of respect. She truly made a difference in my familys life! She will forever be in our hearts and minds.
Valencia Davidson
May 7, 2020
Mrs. Pace was a Powerhouse and extraordinary educator from the old school regime. She was my daughters Kindergarten teacher at Thea Bowman. She set a strong beginning foundation for academic learning and excellence. She was a ball of fire and always on the move. She maintained her independence and often refused rides when I saw her walking or on the bus stop. She often spoke with great pride and joy of her grandsons , their education and plans for the future. Im not surprised at all to learn she founded her chapter of Delta Sigma Theta. She was a leader with a strong disposition and personality. She was a joy. She will be missed.
Valencia Davidson
May 7, 2020
My sincerest condolences to her family. Mrs. Pace was an extraordinary educator. Her reputation preceded her. She was my daughters Kindergarten teacher at Thea Bowman. I remember her 5th grade teaching stating he could always tell who had her as a teacher. Their reading skills etc... were stronger. She gave them a great beginning foundation of learning and academic excellence. She was a ball of fire and always on the move. As a Senior citizen she maintained her independence and in most instances refused rides from me when I would see her walking or on the bus stop. She loved her grandsons and spoke of them often. She was proud of them. She was a joy and will definitely be missed.
Karen
May 7, 2020
I use to enjoy sitting and talking to her about hiatorical events and genealogy. She shared much info . She also told me alot about the history of black educators in the city of Gary early on. She was a wealth of information. Miss the talks.
Joy Lynon
May 4, 2020
RIH, Mrs. Smith❣Mrs. Smith was my kindergarten teacher at Williams Elementary School in Gary, IN and as the popular poem title described, All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten! Mrs. Smith was patient and kind and I remember well as a frightened six year old how comforting were the milk and cookies so lovingly given to us by my kindergarten teacher while learning those basic lessons that started my life long love of learning. How coincidental that our paths would cross again later in life when I attended Ball State University and pledged Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Delta Phi Chapter, that she founded. We had a wonderful reunion, years later again, celebrating the chapters 50th anniversary. Love you dearly, Mrs. Smith. Rest In Peace.
Gretchen
May 3, 2020
Ms Pace was a special friend of my ! She was one of my boss for the Pre School program for School City of Gary I also work with her with the Teddy Bear Summer Program she was the Director and the founder of this program. I was her clean up friend and organizier every pay Friday I would pick her from work and we would go shopping at her favorite department store TJ MAXX ! After we get though shopping she and I went to her favorite restaurant Red Lobster oh Im going to miss those good times with her ! I will keep those memories I share with her for 30 plus years in my heart! To her family ! To Be Absent from the body is to be Present With The Lord ! Weeping May Endure for a Night But Joy Cometh In The Morning! Look To The Hills From Whence Cometh Your Help Your Help Cometh From The LORD. Love and Blessings too you Gretchen
Wilie Richardson
May 3, 2020
Thank you Mrs Pace for being a great educator to all of our children. I enjoyed working with you sharing your love and passion to all of your student. Your loving memories will never be forgotten. Rest i n Peace my friend . Willie Richardson
Elizabeth
May 3, 2020
Thank you big sis, dear Kathryn for taking me as young girl to experience my first musical. I will never forget. You took Kathy and I to see, Hello Dolly with Pearl Bailey and Cab Calloway in Chicago! It made such a magical imprint and a cherished memory of a lifetime! You were forever educating the young -your lifes Passion! Thank you sis! Love & Light! ♥ Rest in Heaven! ~Elizabeth (Libby) Miller
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