Arthur D Smith's Obituary
“A CELEBRATION OF LIFE”
Dr. Arthur D. Smith
Sunrise Sunset
July 17, 1929 April 23, 2018
Dr. Arthur D. Smith, son of Elder Adolphus (Elliot) and Sister Augusta Dorthelius Banks Smith, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Monday, April 23, 2018. He was preceded in death by his parents, Adolphus and Augusta, and his sister, Carmella Delores McNair.
Dr. Smith was born on July 17, 1929 in Urbancrest, Ohio where the family lived for several years, before moving to Cambridge, Ohio for some years until Elder Adolphus and Sister Augusta accepted the call of the Lord to move to Canton, Ohio where Elder Adolphus assumed the Pastorate of Christ Temple Apostolic Church, now known as Greater Bethel Apostolic Church.
The children were raised in the fear of the Lord, however, when Dr. Smith was 10 years of age, his father, Elder Adolphus, was called home to be with the Lord by way of an auto accident and aneurism. Left with seven children, Augusta went back to school and became an LPN to support herself and her children. This is where Dr. Smith learned the value of an education, along with the importance of having a spirit of determination and perseverance. He attended the Canton Public Schools, graduating with honors and receiving his high school diploma from McKinley Senior High School. He did not stop there, nor did he look back. With his eyes, mind and heart set on achieving the goals and fulfilling the purpose of his calling, Dr. Smith went on to attend and graduate from Kent State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education and a Master of Arts Degree in History. His desire for learning was strong enough that he often walked to Kent, Ohio to attend his classes at the University. He let nothing stand in his way and with God’s help, he was successful.
Upon graduating from Kent State University, he obtained a teaching position with the Cleveland Public School System, rising through the ranks to become Department Chairman and acting Principal at Glenville High School. While there, he authored a teacher training handbook which is still being used today.
Dr. Smith was offered the opportunity to attend Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, free, to obtain his PhD in Psychology, which he did, writing his thesis on the subject of “The Supreme Court and Segregation in the Public Schools”. While at Yale, he held the positions of Assistant Dean of Administration and Executive Director of the Yale University Transitional Year Program.
Dr. Smith moved yet again, to the Northwestern University in Chicago, Illinois, having accepted the position of Associate Professor of Education and Psychology, and Chairman of the Undergraduate and Graduate Standing Committees in Education. He was also Chairman of the University Relations Committee and the University Faculty Procedures Committee.
His final move in the world of academia was to Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts where he was acting Dean of Education which ultimately led to his being named the Associate Provost of Northeastern University and Coordinator of Special Projects. He was instrumental in the merging of Northeastern University and the Boston Bouve-Education College.
Dr. Smith held many positions and served on many committees. He was selected by President G. W. Bush to be part of a delegation to the country of Poland on behalf of the United States government. He was offered the cabinet position of the Secretary of Education, which he refused.
Dr. Smith authored and co-authored several books on education and made a profound impression on his students. He was loved and revered by many.
Dr. Arthur D. Smith, “AFTER” being baptized in the Name of Jesus, and “AFTER” receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, “AFTER” receiving a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education; “AFTER” receiving a Master of Arts Degree in History; and “AFTER” receiving a PhD in Psychology…Dr. Arthur D. Smith has now received the highest degree obtainable…
“He has finished his course and been found to faithful to His Lord and Savior Jesus Christ; He has earned his rest and has been called home!! He has graduated once again, with the ultimate degree made available to mankind with the birth, death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ…the opportunity to leave this world and go to his heavenly home, where his mansion not made with hands awaits him! He has left this world behind and has entered into eternal rest!!
Dr. Arthur D. Smith
July 17, 1929 to April 23, 2018
88 years old of St. Petersburg, Florida
“A Celebration of Life”
Sunday - May 27, 2018 @ 2:00pm
“Jesus Speaks Christian Center”
1103 McKinley Ave NW
Canton, Ohio 44703
Pastor: Elder Mark M. Smith
We want to acknowledge the accomplishments of our dear Uncle Arthur. Please plan to attend. We would love to see you there!
There will be a reception immediately following the service.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Enrichment.
EN-RICH-MENT is a Canton, Ohio-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides music, education, training, instruments, art, dance, voice, drumline and agriculture classes free of charge to undeserved urban youth ages 5 through 18 years.
What’s your fondest memory of Arthur?
What’s a lesson you learned from Arthur?
Share a story where Arthur's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Arthur you’ll never forget.
How did Arthur make you smile?