Stephen Donald Smith
Stephen Donald Smith, 66, of Roanoke, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, January 3, 2025.
He was born on April 22, 1958 in Maryland to parents Donald and Frances Smith. As a young adult he enjoyed performing in musicals and other theater productions, including memorable parts in Les Miserables and Li'l Abner. Steve graduated from the University of Maryland with a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology. He landed a job as a researcher with Alcoa Technical Center in New Kensington, PA where he worked for several years. During his time working at Alcoa, he met Mary Kumer and they married in March 1989.
After obtaining a Master of Arts in Teaching (Science Education) from the University of Pittsburgh, he taught at several high schools, eventually accepting a job offer in 2002 to the Roanoke Valley Governor’s School, where he taught Chemistry, Applied Chemical Research, Experimental Botany, and Forensic Science.
Awards and accomplishments of his career in academia include: Teacher of the Year Finalist for Roanoke City Public Schools (2018), Outstanding Chemistry Teacher award from the Virginia Blue Ridge Section of the American Chemical Society (ACS), Outstanding Chemistry Teacher award from the Virginia Association of Science Teachers, member of the Executive Council of the Virginia Blue Ridge Section of the ACS, member of the American Chemical Society, member of the Virginia Association of Science Teachers.
His memory will be lovingly preserved by his wife of 35 years, Mary Smith, his sister, Ann Peavler (Brent), children Rebecca Rice (Aaron) and Alex Smith (Linda), grandchildren Rachel, Aria, and Aurora, as well as by the close-knit faculty and student body of RVGS.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the church of which Steve was a member: North Roanoke Baptist Church at 6402 Peters Creek Rd, Roanoke, VA 24019. You can give online https://www.northroanoke.org
Services will be held Saturday, January 11, 2025 at 2 p.m. at Simpson Funeral Home Peters Creek Road Chapel, with Pastor Daniel Palmer officiating. Arrangements by Simpson Funeral Home Peters Creek Road Chapel. (540)366-0707.
