Rosemary Smith

Rosemary Smith inspired others in everything that she did.

As a teacher, she inspired her students to be the best versions of themselves—not just academically, but in all of their pursuits. (I remember her telling me that she’d never silence her phone before class, so all of her students at Rock Springs Elementary would join in singing along with her ringtone—“Hallelujah, Your Love Makes Me Sing”—every time she got a phone call. It really is the little things!).

As a dance coach at Sevier Middle, she invested in her students outside of “regular business hours.” She shared a lot of smiles and left lasting memories in the hearts and minds of her kiddos. She mentored younger teachers around her, and set a consistent example of what it means to be a servant leader.

As a friend, she was the first to show up with a casserole and the last to make sure that everything was cleaned up and the lights turned off afterward. She was a “joyful noise,” and to hear her sing was a blessing. To sing with her was even better! She truly lit up every room she entered.

When Rosemary was handed what others might consider to be a devastating, earth-shattering cancer diagnosis, she turned pain into a platform. Her reach was already immense, but the way she exhibited persistence, kindness, and authentic JOY throughout her fight with cancer was nothing short of divinely inspiring. She was Warrior Strong, not just when it came to her own medical condition, but in the way that she demonstrated such selflessness and genuine consideration for others, even when getting out of bed was its own mountain to climb.

There’s a reason Rosie’s celebration of life had to he moved to The Dome; I am just one of hundreds, even thousands of people that had the God-given privilege to walk this earth at the same time and place as Rosemary Smith—to be influenced and cherished by her.

Rosemary is a Profile in Commitment: someone who inspires me to be the most committed and compassionate person I can be.

An old hymn promises:

“When the flowers bloom up in Heaven,

I’ll be waiting just for you, I know.

As we stroll the heavenly pathway,

Where the balmy breezes blow,

I wonder if we’ll stand together,

And hear the angels sing,

When the flowers bloom up in Heaven,

In that homeland of our King.”

I know Rosie is watching the flowers bloom. And I can’t wait to stroll—no—DANCE those streets with her one day.