On Sunday, June 21, 2020, Raymechia Malleet Robinson Smith passed away quietly, surrounded by her loved ones at her home at the age of 66. Rae was born on October 2, 1953 in Marianna, Florida. She was the third daughter of Raymond and Malzie (Merritt) Robinson, wife of Frank Smith.

Rae was a true Proverbs 31 woman who graciously combined a lasting marriage, an exemplary motherhood, a meaningful career, and a devotion to community service. She was able to accomplish so much with excellence during her time here due to her excellent planning skills and strong work ethic. Rae knew how to work smarter rather than harder and made her tasks appear easy.

As a veteran math teacher of 32 years, Rae was recognized as Teacher of the Year at Marshall Junior High where she started her career (1982), at Blackmon Road Middle School where she spent the majority of her teaching career (1998) and at Rose Hill Center where she completed her career (2009). National Board Certified and Gifted Certified in Mathematics, she was recognized nationally in Who’s Who and Outstanding American Teachers in 1991, 2000, 2005 and 2006. Rae was the inaugural inductee into her alma mater, Columbus State University Education’s Hall of Fame in 2005.

Rae’s work as an educator expanded beyond the classroom. She served locally and at the state level in various capacities with the Professional Association of Georgia Educators where she was on the Board of Director’s from 1994 to 2011. She was involved in setting high standards for math education in our state and for helping to raise up the next generation of math educators. Rae was a gifted speaker and writer. She was a frequent workshop and session speaker for the Georgia Council of Teachers of Mathematics and presented at numerous other state and national conferences for educators. Her publications include “The Attributes of an Exemplary Middle Grades Mathematics Teacher” and “Georgia Public Education: An Agenda for the 1990’s”.

Rae loved to celebrate life and was an excellent event planner. She orchestrated celebrations not only for her own family, but for many others in her community and church. She endeavored to pass these skills on to others through her work as Chairperson of the Decorating Committee of her church, Spirit Filled Ministries, where she also served on the Stewardess Board. Rae collaborated on a book, “Testimonies of Faith, - To God be the Glory” with church members to inspire and encourage others in their walk of faith. Rae was greeted in eternity by her father Raymond, her loving husband Frank, her angel baby, Angela Leatta Jivens and two angel grandsons, Franklin Raynard Colton and Pierce Lee Colton, IV. Mourning her memory are her mother, Malzie Lee (Merritt) Robinson; her brothers - John (Charlene) Robinson of Tampa, FL, Raymond (Phyllis) Robinson, Jr. of Roswell, GA , Aaron Wayne Robinson of Columbus, GA; her sisters - Rose Codling, Vera Hood both of Stone Mountain, GA, Angela (Jim) Paul of Tucker, GA and Leatta (Gerard) Phillips of Lawrenceville, GA; her daughter – Veronica (Tyrone) Dillard of Jonesboro, GA and Andrea (Pierce) Colton of Newnan GA; her son – Jerry Anthony Jivens of Columbus, GA; her - grandchildren Aubrey, Tyra, Trenton and Austen; her best friend and caregiver – Susan Smith and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Rae’s honor to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

The Staff of Progressive Funeral Home is honored to support the family with End of Life Services.