Susan A. Smith

Susan A. Smith Age 61, of Alexandria VA, died July 20, 2011,of conditions related to cancer. Born in 1950, Susan was the daughter of Lt Colonel (ret) James R. Smith Jr., and Ruth Dubbs Smith of Plymouth Meeting PA. The family moved to West Virginia and returned to PA to Blue Bell, where Susan attended Wissahickon High School, graduating in 1968. Susan attended Bennett College for two years, earning an Associate's degree and graduating in 1970. Susan moved to Washington DC when she began her work at the National Geographic that same year. Her career there spanned 41 years and at the time of her retirement in the fall of 2010, Susan was the Deputy Director of Photography for National Geographic magazine. In 1970, she landed an entry-level position in film review, the office where unprocessed assignment film was catalogued, sent for processing, and reviewed for technical quality. Smith worked her way up the photographic ladder, eventually becoming Assistant Director for Photography in 1990. In 2005, the photography and photo editing departments merged into one, and Smith was named Deputy Director. While she worked closely with some of the best photojournalists in the business, Smith stated that the really rewarding part of her job was discovering and nurturing young talent. In 2008, Susan and her colleagues at the National Geographic received the prestigious "Ellie" award for photojournalism- conferred by the American Society of Magazine Editors. In addition to her role at the National Geographic, Susan was a frequently requested "judge" at both domestic and international photographic competitions, including an annual competition for female photographers in Dubai. Susan enjoyed traveling, cooking, fine dining and interior decorating. She was an avid collector of books related to cooking and design. She is survived by her husband, Van Curtis Wall of Alexandria VA, her mother Ruth D. Smith of Blue Bell PA, and her brother James R. (Skip) Smith III of Ambler PA. Interment is private and there will be a memorial to celebrate Susan's life and spirit at a time to be determined. Those wishing to make a memorial contribution are encouraged to support either the Lance Armstrong LIVESTRONG Challenge or the American Cancer Society.