Pioneering educator remembered for dedication

Pioneering educator remembered for dedication

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Ann Elaine Smith, described as one of the most influential educators and leaders of our time and for whom Ann E. Smith Elementary School in Ridgeland is named, is being remembered this week as a loving woman and dedicated educator.

Smith, 95, passed away on Friday, April 14, 2023, at her long-time family home in Canton where she was born and raised, according to her family. Smith died “peacefully” following a short illness, they said.

Known as “Miss Ann” during her tenure, Ann E. Smith Elementary School off Pear Orchard Road in Ridgeland was named for Smith upon her retirement in 1998.

“The Madison County Schools family mourns the loss of beloved educator Ann Smith,” a statement from the Madison County School District said. “As a teacher and principal she positively impacted the lives of thousands of students, and her legacy lives on at her namesake school, Ridgeland’s Ann Smith Elementary School.”

Her family said it was during Smith’s tenure at Ridgeland Elementary School, first as a third-grade teacher and then as principal, that they knew “she had found her calling.”

“She made sure no child was left behind long before the catch-phrase became popular,” they said. “Her concern for the welfare of every student was matched also by her strong support for each teacher and staff member.” 

Madison County School District Superintendent Charlotte Seals said Smith was a “larger than life” personality in 1989 when Seals joined the district as a teacher. Seals said “Miss Ann” helped build the district to what it is today.

“She helped lay the foundation that we continue to build on today,” Seals said.

Mary Burcham, a teacher assistant at Ann E. Smith Elementary, said Smith cared for the children at her school.

“She was very kind and truly loved children with her whole heart,” Burcham said. “She was very proud of her school.”

During the 2005-2006 school year Burcham was the PTO president. She said they commissioned a portrait of Smith, but Smith said she did not want a picture of her alone so she was photographed with five children of PTO members at the time. One of those Children was Burcham’s daughter, Abigail, a first grader.

The portrait now hangs in the school and Burcham made sure to photograph her daughter next to it when she graduated from Ridgeland High School in 2017. 

“I thought it would be a nice moment to capture her with the picture,” Burcham said. “She was in Ridgeland schools K-12.”

Seals said Smith’s spirit still “reverberates” through the halls of the elementary school.

“Her spirit is still there and it is one of love and joy,” Seals said.

Upon her death the Ridgeland High School PTO said in a statement Smith was “one of the most influential educators and leaders of our time.”

The family said Smith was also a dedicated member of Woodland Hills Baptist Church for many years where she was involved with their Missions House, where “furloughed missionaries rested, planned and prepared for their return to the mission field.”

Ridgeland Mayor Gene F. McGee said he was saddened to hear of Smith’s passing, noting the tremendous contribution she made to the local schools.

“I am saddened at her death but know she is in a better place,” he said.






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