Oct. 29, 2008 – Dr. C. Warren Smith died Monday at his home on St. Thomas. He was 89.
Smith had a dual career. He spent many years working for the Health Department, including a stint as health commissioner, but had a second calling as a member of the clergy. He spent 21 years shepherding the flock at St. Ursula's Episcopal Church on St. John. He also served as St. Andrew's Church and All Saints Cathedral, both on St. Thomas.
During his years on St. John, he rebuilt and enlarged the church and established the St. Ursula's Senior Citizen Center. The senior citizen center was renamed in his honor several months ago.
"He was one of the most pleasant persons I've ever known," senior citizen center Director Clarence Cipio said.
Smith always had a hand stretched out to help, Cipio said.
Church member Sivilah Williams called Smith a loving and caring man.
She said that Smith presided over a funeral in which those who attended overflowed St. Ursula's small building. After that, he pushed to expand the church.
"We had boat rides and food sales," Williams recalled, speaking about how they raised the money to expand the church.
The senior citizen center followed because, Williams said, Smith thought the seniors should have a hot lunch.
Smith was born May 10, 1919 on St. Thomas to Conrad V. Smith and Florence Stevens Smith.
He was baptized and confirmed at All Saints Cathedral and went on to serve as an acolyte, Sunday school instructor and deacon before being ordained as an Episcopal priest in 1974.
He graduated from Howard University Medical School and received a master's degree in public health and pediatric certification, both from Harvard University.
He worked for the Health Department from 1944 to 1987. During that time, he spent 25 years as pediatric chief, which is why the pediatric ward at Roy L. Schneider Hospital is named in his honor.
He also served as director of Maternal Child Health and Crippled Children, public health director, assistant health commissioner and finally health commissioner.
Smith also served in the U.S. Army.
Gov. John deJongh Jr. in a press release described Smith as an influential Virgin Islander who utilized his vast and extensive abilities for the betterment of our community.
"As we served together under the Gov. Alexander Farrelly administration, I witnessed first-hand his dedication to the field of medical health and his love for our community; which is truly to be respected," deJongh said.
He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Marjorie Weston Smith.
"He was the most wonderful person alive. He kept me going. He really gave me life," his wife said.
They have four children – Dr. Conrad Smith Jr., Riise Richards, Craig Smith, and Dr. Arlene Lockridge.
Smith had three children by a previous marriage: Roslyn Dotson and twins Warren Smith and Willette Simpson. The twins have died.
Additionally, he has 12 grandchildren.
His wife said funeral services will be held Nov. 10 under the direction of the Davis Funeral Home on St. Thomas.
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