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.