Major Janet Kathleen Smith

I am writing this on July 15 th, no reason just wanted to get it
started before I had no time left. 71 years old today.
Obituary
No one could do this any better than me. I was born on
February 6 th 1947 to one Catherine Louise Watson. I was raised
by Catherine(aka)(Cappy) and my Daddy John Jules Ringgold.
You see John (Johnny) took on that role when I was 2years old
and I am forever grateful. I don't know what the Lord meant
when he said Honor your mother and father well, I do so I must
say what I feel and that is that every father is not a Daddy, but
every daddy is a father. I had three brothers and one sister. My
brother David and I attended St Peters Cathedral until the 9 th
grade when we got the shock of our lives attending public
school. It most certainly was different, don't have time to talk
about that. I graduated and David quit 4 weeks before
graduation and went into US Airforce.
The day after graduation Cappy shook me awake and told me I
had to go look for a job. My first job was as a nurse's aide at
Wilmington Hospital. Second job was a long distance operator
with the Diamond State telephone co as a long distance
operator. After several years of being a long distance operator
a family friend Pauleen Powell who supervised the switchboard
at Delaware state hospital asked me to come work for her at
De. State Hospital. of which I did. I later transferred and became
the admissions clerk. In the admission office I frequently came
in contact with the New Castle County Police as well as
Wilmington and Delaware State Police.
I spoke with Officer David Riddle a Police officer with nccpd,
who also was a high school classmate. He let me do a ride
along with him after finding that I had applied. My next contact
with the Police was with Sgt Grello who informed me that I fit
the profile of the kind of officer he was looking for. I completed
a written test as well as a physical agility test. I was hired as a
Police officer where I was employed for approximately 24 years
retiring as a Major.
Don't let me forget to tell you about the joy of my life.
Kimberly and Charlie (Man). Kimberly is married to the best
son in law one could have Allen. They have 3 children Arynn,
Ashlynn and Allen Junior (AJ). Charlie (Man) has one daughter
Sidney Jules Smith. This is my gang. I love you and please don't
sit and cry (Kim) because I have learned it hurts for a little while.
You will pick up that cell phone to call and I won't be there but I
will say what you need and I will talk to the father with you to
see that it is done.
After retiring I sought employment with new castle county
government Executive Thomas P Gordon. I was assigned to CIA.
Forget what that stood for, but I supervised a group of about 12
individuals as well as Code Enforcement. I had an assistant
name Donna Thompson who guided me in the code and was
well versed in the code.
My favorite things in life were going to the casinos. I looked for
one in every state I visited. My favorite movies were steel
magnolia Today's Message.....
October 8, 2020
Psalm 116:15
Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints
God is with us all the time even when death is upon us. It's hard
when someone we love is nearing death, because we
become angry and have the feeling of abandonment.
However as believers we are precious to God, and he will
choose the correct time when each of us will be called into his
presence to receive our final reward. May this truth comfort you
when the loss of a loved one is upon you. When life's journey
brings upon us the sadness of the loss, remember God sees all
and each life is valuable to him.
God be with you and comfort in life's journey
and Ghost.
The Things that Got away
JK Smith, as she was affectional know, had many
accomplishments and attribute that she did not mention, so we
the family wanted to take a moment to highlight the
monumental achievements.
Major Smith, Mother Smith, Sister Smith, Auntie Smith, Friend
Smith, was funny, loving, generous, consistent, OUT SPOKEN
loyal, and a sincere hearted person! There was nothing she
wouldn't do for you or provide if she had it you had it! She will
be missed, and a void will be left.
Acknowledgement of Accomplishments
Major Smith, joined the NCCPD, in 1973
In 1980, at the age of 33, Major Smith was promoted to
Sergeant, with the Department of Public Safety.
1984, Major Smith, graduated completing the 136 th session of
the F.B.I. National Academy, F.B.I. Academy, Quantico, Virgina,
receiving her diploma.
1989, at the age of 42; Major Smith was promoted to Platoon
Commander the patrol division. She became the highest-ranking
black woman in the state's major police department.
1994 Major Smith was the recipient of the Northeast Alliance
Award, Black Achievement Award.
1995 Major Smith was promoted from Lieutenant to Captain,
Smith was the first African American female to make Captain in
the state of Delaware.
Major Smith was the recipient of medals for unit citations,
commendation of merit, the Chef of Police Award, and
numerous letters of commendation from the department and
other organizations. Smith was also decorated for Valor, the
departments highest honor.
In 1996 Janet K. Smith, was promoted to the first black female
Major for NCCPD!
In 1998, Major Smith Retired, as the first black female Major in
the state of Delaware.
Major Smith was a phenomenal woman and will sincerely be
missed, by those who survive her. She leaves to carry her torch,
her daughter Kimberly Graham (Allen R Graham), Son Chuck
Smith (Chemaine Cantres), nephew raised as her son
Mark Lane.
Grandchildren, Arynn Catherine, Ashlynn Washburn (Marcus
Washburn) Allen Graham Jr., Beau Washburn and Sidney Smith.
Sister Dee Ringgold, Sister/Friend of over 50 years
Charlotte Gilbert and a host of Nieces, nephews, cousins, colleges and
friends.
To send flowers to the family of Major Janet, please visit our floral store.I am writing this on July 15 th, no reason just wanted to get it
started before I had no time left. 71 years old today.
Obituary
No one could do this any better than me. I was born on
February 6 th 1947 to one Catherine Louise Watson. I was raised
by Catherine(aka)(Cappy) and my Daddy John Jules Ringgold.
You see John (Johnny) took on that role when I was 2years old
and I am forever grateful. I don't know what the Lord meant
when he said Honor your mother and father well, I do so I must
say what I feel and that is that every father is not a Daddy, but
every daddy is a father. I had three brothers and one sister. My
brother David and I attended St Peters Cathedral until the 9 th
grade when we got the shock of our lives attending public
school. It most certainly was different, don't have time to talk
about that. I graduated and David quit 4 weeks before
graduation and went into US Airforce.
The day after graduation Cappy shook me awake and told me I
had to go look for a job. My first job was as a nurse's aide at
Wilmington Hospital. Second job was a long distance operator
with the Diamond State telephone co as a long distance
operator. After several years of being a long distance operator
a family friend Pauleen Powell who supervised the switchboard
at Delaware state hospital asked me to come work for her at
De. State Hospital. of which I did. I later transferred and became
the admissions clerk. In the admission office I frequently came
in contact with the New Castle County Police as well as
Wilmington and Delaware State Police.
I spoke with Officer David Riddle a Police officer with nccpd,
who also was a high school classmate. He let me do a ride
along with him after finding that I had applied. My next contact
with the Police was with Sgt Grello who informed me that I fit
the profile of the kind of officer he was looking for. I completed
a written test as well as a physical agility test. I was hired as a
Police officer where I was employed for approximately 24 years
retiring as a Major.
Don't let me forget to tell you about the joy of my life.
Kimberly and Charlie (Man). Kimberly is married to the best
son in law one could have Allen. They have 3 children Arynn,
Ashlynn and Allen Junior (AJ). Charlie (Man) has one daughter
Sidney Jules Smith. This is my gang. I love you and please don't
sit and cry (Kim) because I have learned it hurts for a little while.
You will pick up that cell phone to call and I won't be there but I
will say what you need and I will talk to the father with you to
see that it is done.
After retiring I sought employment with new castle county
government Executive Thomas P Gordon. I was assigned to CIA.
Forget what that stood for, but I supervised a group of about 12
individuals as well as Code Enforcement. I had an assistant
name Donna Thompson who guided me in the code and was
well versed in the code.
My favorite things in life were going to the casinos. I looked for
one in every state I visited. My favorite movies were steel
magnolia Today's Message.....
October 8, 2020
Psalm 116:15
Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints
God is with us all the time even when death is upon us. It's hard
when someone we love is nearing death, because we
become angry and have the feeling of abandonment.
However as believers we are precious to God, and he will
choose the correct time when each of us will be called into his
presence to receive our final reward. May this truth comfort you
when the loss of a loved one is upon you. When life's journey
brings upon us the sadness of the loss, remember God sees all
and each life is valuable to him.
God be with you and comfort in life's journey
and Ghost.
The Things that Got away
JK Smith, as she was affectional know, had many
accomplishments and attribute that she did not mention, so we
the family wanted to take a moment to highlight the
monumental achievements.
Major Smith, Mother Smith, Sister Smith, Auntie Smith, Friend
Smith, was funny, loving, generous, consistent, OUT SPOKEN
loyal, and a sincere hearted person! There was nothing she
wouldn't do for you or provide if she had it you had it! She will
be missed, and a void will be left.
Acknowledgement of Accomplishments
Major Smith, joined the NCCPD, in 1973
In 1980, at the age of 33, Major Smith was promoted to
Sergeant, with the Department of Public Safety.
1984, Major Smith, graduated completing the 136 th session of
the F.B.I. National Academy, F.B.I. Academy, Quantico, Virgina,
receiving her diploma.
1989, at the age of 42; Major Smith was promoted to Platoon
Commander the patrol division. She became the highest-ranking
black woman in the state's major police department.
1994 Major Smith was the recipient of the Northeast Alliance
Award, Black Achievement Award.
1995 Major Smith was promoted from Lieutenant to Captain,
Smith was the first African American female to make Captain in
the state of Delaware.
Major Smith was the recipient of medals for unit citations,
commendation of merit, the Chef of Police Award, and
numerous letters of commendation from the department and
other organizations. Smith was also decorated for Valor, the
departments highest honor.
In 1996 Janet K. Smith, was promoted to the first black female
Major for NCCPD!
In 1998, Major Smith Retired, as the first black female Major in
the state of Delaware.
Major Smith was a phenomenal woman and will sincerely be
missed, by those who survive her. She leaves to carry her torch,
her daughter Kimberly Graham (Allen R Graham), Son Chuck
Smith (Chemaine Cantres), nephew raised as her son
Mark Lane.
Grandchildren, Arynn Catherine, Ashlynn Washburn (Marcus
Washburn) Allen Graham Jr., Beau Washburn and Sidney Smith.
Sister Dee Ringgold, Sister/Friend of over 50 years
Charlotte Gilbert and a host of Nieces, nephews, cousins, colleges and
friends.