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Brunswick Distinguished CitizenDistinguished Citizen 1983

Lee Lewis Smith (1930 – 2011) Brunswick Distinguished CitizenDistinguished Citizen 1983

Brunswick: 100 Years of Memories (1990) Smith, Lee L., Ph.D. (1930- ) Honored 1983 Lee L. Smith received a bachelor degree from Towson State College in preparation for teaching. He became principal, in turn, at Brunswick, Burkittsville, and South Frederick Elementary Schools. At the same time, he began instructing in teaching methods and procedures at George Washington University and D. C. Teachers’ College. The author of two books on non-graded elementary education and one on the open classroom, Lee is now supervisor of the Howard County Staff Development Center.

Find A Grave: Birth 14 Feb 1930 USA Death 14 Oct 2011 (aged 81) Maryland, USA Burial Marvin Chapel United Methodist Church Cemetery Mount Airy, Frederick County, Maryland, USA

Dr. Lee Lewis Smith, 81 of Brunswick, MD went to be with the Lord on Oct. 14, 2011 at Johns Hopkins Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. He suffered a massive stroke.

Born on February 14, 1930, he was the son of Eugene and Freda Spurrier Smith. Graduating in 1947 from the Brunswick schools, he chose education as his career. He received his B.S. degree from Towson State College, and M.S and EdD from George Washington University. His military experience of two years was spent at Fort Knox, KY, after which he returned to teaching at Brunswick Elementary School.

In 1957 he became principal at Burkittsville Elementary School and returned to BES as principal in 1959. While at BES, the school was selected as one of fifty National Demonstration Centers for its non-graded program. Eight years later, he became principal of South Frederick Elementary School, also developing an evening community school.

After completing his graduate work, he became principal of Longfellow Elementary School, an open-space facility in Columbia, MD. He later became Supervisor of Staff Development for the Howard County Public Schools and organized a Center for the sharing of ideas. Being a man of many talents and leadership ability, Dr. Smith brought people together for the greater good, whether home, school, church, or community and received many awards.

He served as a consultant sharing his innovative ideas on the non-graded and team teaching approach all over the United States and Canada. He authored three books on his experiences. His many hobbies include woodworking, from duck carving to toys, furniture and even a house. In addition to barbershop singing, he enjoyed being in the choir and serving as lay leader.He loved sharing time with his family while fishing and camping. He and his wife enjoyed years of traveling as they pursued their ancestors.

He is survived by Lorna Duane Virts Smith, his wife of 59 years, and their three children: Mindy Niles (Tim), Westminster, Teri Lee Smith, NC, Robin Green, PA. Dr. Smith has four granddaughters: Christine Niles, Courtney Niles, Heather Alva, and Ashley Alva.

Besides his parents, he is predeceased by his brother, Floyd B. Smith, brothers-in-law Gary M. Virts and Noel O. Virts.

Services were held on October 20 in Brunswick, MD at the Stauffer Funeral Home. Interment followed at the Marvin Chapel Cemetery in Mt. Airy, MD. A memorial service will be held in Howard County at the Wilde Lake Interfaith Center on Saturday, October 29 at 4:00pm. Memorial contributions may be made to the Arc of Howard County, 11735 Homewood Rd., Ellicott City, MD, 21042. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.staufferfuneralhome.com.