Loretha Gretha Robinson

“Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” — Psalm 30:5

Today, we gather not only to mourn the loss of a beloved mother, grandmother, daughter,

sister, and friend, but also to celebrate the extraordinary life and legacy of a remarkable

woman.

Loretha Robinson Smith, daughter of Eugene Brown and Mary Robinson, was born on April

30, 1955, in Thomasville, Georgia. From the very beginning, Loretha possessed a

determination and brilliance that would follow her throughout her life.

She attended Central High School, where she graduated in 1973. Her pursuit of education

continued at Albany State University, where she distinguished herself academically and

graduated magna cum laude in 1977 with a degree in Elementary Education. Her

commitment to learning did not stop there. Before the age of 23, Loretha had already

earned her master’s degree, demonstrating the intelligence, discipline, and drive that

became defining characteristics of her life.

While at Albany State University, Loretha was also a proud member of the university band,

where she played the clarinet. Her college years reflected not only her academic excellence,

but also her love of music, her school, and the many talents she carried throughout her life.

In 1977, Loretha moved to Miami, Florida, beginning a new chapter in her life. She accepted

her first position at Miami-Dade Community College and later devoted her career to

education through the Miami-Dade County Public Schools system.

Loretha’s passion for teaching and her commitment to her students did not go unnoticed. In

1991, she was honored as Teacher of the Year, a recognition that reflected her excellence as

an educator and the meaningful impact she had on the children she served.

She worked as a teacher at Charles R. Drew Elementary School, where she dedicated

herself to educating, encouraging, and inspiring young minds. Her commitment to

education extended beyond the classroom as she also participated in the television

program “Dial-A-Teacher,” using her knowledge and experience to reach and assist even

more students and families.

As her career continued to grow, so did her impact as an educational leader. Loretha went

on to serve as a Vice Principal at North Miami Beach High School, where she continued to

dedicate herself to the education, guidance, and development of young people and the

school community. After a distinguished career in education, she retired as Vice Principal of

North Miami Beach High School, leaving behind a legacy of excellence, leadership, and

service.

Loretha was more than a teacher by profession—she was an educator at heart. She

believed in the power of knowledge, the importance of opportunity, and the potential

within every child. Through her dedication to education, she planted seeds in countless

young lives, many of which continued to grow long after they left her classroom.

As Loretha’s journey on earth comes to a close, her love, influence, and legacy will continue

to live on through the family and loved ones she leaves behind.

She leaves to cherish her memory her beloved son, Mychal F. Smith; her beloved daughter,

Mystie D. Smith; and her cherished granddaughter, Phoenix V. Smith.

Loretha was preceded in death by her beloved siblings, whose love remained a cherished

part of her life.

She is also survived by those whose lives she touched through her family, friendships,

career, and years of service to others.

Today, as we remember Loretha, we celebrate not only the woman she was, but the

countless lives she touched, the knowledge she shared, the love she gave, and the legacy

she leaves behind. Though she may no longer walk among us, the lessons she taught, the

memories she created, and the love she poured into her family and others will remain.

May we carry her legacy forward, speak her name with love, and remember that while

weeping may endure for a night, joy truly does come in the morning.