Dr. Joseph Anthony Smith

Dr. Joseph Anthony Smith was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on August 4, 1934 to the union of his parents the late Joseph and Hazel Dugue’.  At an early age Hazel Dugue’ became widowed.  She later married Mr. Jasper Isaac Smith who adopted Joseph and his twin brother, John.  Joseph was united in holy matrimony to Darrlyn Cook Smith on December 27, 1961.  He departed this life peacefully at his home in Seattle, Washington on November 8, 2015.

Joseph known as “Pumpaw,” and “Cuz” to his family and “Dr. Joe,” to his friends and associates attended Cohen High School in New Orleans, playing saxophone in the school band and graduated in 1953.  He graduated in 1957 from Xavier University in New Orleans with a BS in Music Education and received Teacher Certification.  Joseph relocated to Seattle, Washington in the early 1960s with his wife Darrlyn.  He received Teacher Certification for the state of Washington.  Joseph received a Master’s Degree in Education and Principal Certification from the University of Washington.   He received a Doctoral Degree in Education from Seattle University in 1984. 

Joseph was a member of the United States Army Reserve and received an honorable discharge in 1964.  He was a member of Phi Delta Kappa Professional Education Organization, National Alliance of Black School Educators, Washington Alliance of Black School Educators, Seattle Alliance of Black School Educators and a member of the Wind Ensemble of Mt. Zion Baptist Church.  Joseph was also the recipient of the Presidential Point of Light under the George H.W. Bush administration for his volunteer service in the community.

Joseph was a long-time administrator with Seattle Public Schools, a realtor and was co-owner of Talent, Tap, Acting, Arts, Performance and Production (TTAAPP Central) Rhythm Tap Studio with his wife, Dr. Darrlyn Smith.  He supported students as a mentor and along with his wife Darrlyn provided young people, specifically young African-American children of all ages, opportunities to travel across the United States to experience the art of rhythm tap dance.

Joseph was the father of Barbara V. Smith Rabb and Bryan Smith; grandfather of Joseph Rabb (Cheyenne) and Janvier Rabb.  He was the great-grandfather of Jayden, Isaac and Noah.

Joseph was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Andrew Dugue’, step-father, Jasper Isaac Smith, mother, Hazel Dugue’ Smith and wife, Dr. Darrlyn Cook Smith.  He is survived by his children, Barbara Smith Rabb and Bryan Smith, twin brother, John Andrew Smith, sister-in-law, Gail Ferrouillet, brother-in-law, Kenneth Ferrouillet, 2 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and a host of cousins, relatives, friends and extended family.

Dr. Joseph Smith will be laid to rest in New Orleans, Louisiana.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made in memory of Dr. Joseph A. Smith to Seattle University College of Education at www.seattleu.edu/giving and click on Make A Gift.