Sallie J. Smithey

Sallie J. Smithey (nee Sallie Lou Johnson), 92, passed away May 17, 2024.

Born in Pittsburgh, Pa., Sallie was the daughter of Delos R. and Naomi D. Johnson. Sallie graduated as salutatorian of the 1948 class at Dunbar High School in Washington, D.C. and attended Miner Teacher's College, where she studied art and early childhood education. While attending college, she married Philip Smithey, MD. His career as a physician and his specialty as a clinical pathologist moved Sallie and their children from Washington, D.C. to Statesville, N.C., and Milwaukee, Wisc., before the family settled in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., where Sallie resided for 52 years.

Sallie worshipped at Unitarian Universalist (UU) churches in Milwaukee, Wisc., Wilkes-Barre, Pa., and Silver Spring, Md. As a UU Sunday school teacher, Sallie nurtured in young people strong beliefs in social justice and higher education, and a passion for the arts in various forms. Sallie was actively involved in the League of Women Voters.

Sallie is survived by her sister, Sylvia Carroll, of Houston, Texas; and her children: Philippa N. Smithey, PhD; Thomas W. Smithey, M.Eng., MBA; Marian P. Smithey, BSN, MSHP; Tracey E. Smithey, MD; and Leslie F. Smithey, DDS, MPH.

Sallie's surviving grandchildren are: Stephanie Smithey, Leslie E. Smithey, Patria Smithey, Gabriela Johnson, William Jefferson, David Jefferson, Philip A.J. Smithey, Joseph Smithey, Jon Smithey and Jared Lane; and great-granddaughters: Janay Jefferson, Charlotte Lane and Elizabeth Lane.

Sallie was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Philip J. Smithey, MD; daughter, Phyllis N. Smithey, JD; and son, Philip D. Smithey, MD.

Once described as "the loveliest of people and best of friends," Sallie will be dearly missed by all who know her. Her legacy of love, dedication to family and passion for the arts will be remembered forever.

Her memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, June 15, from Hines Rinaldi Funeral Home, Silver Spring, Md.