Seticia Smith, 36, the 2021-22 Baldwin County Teacher of the Year and Oak Hill Middle School coach, passed away June 19 from undisclosed causes. At the time of her death, Smith was an instructional coach but has also served as a seventh-grade mathematics teacher and coached the OHMS basketball and track-and-field teams.
“It is with heavy hearts and great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved instructional coach Ms. Seticia Smith. Ms. Smith, affectionately known as ‘Coach T,’ loved her Oak Hill family and her Baldwin Braves,” stated the Oak Hill Middle School Facebook page.
Smith was a graduate of Appling County High School in Baxley and earned a degree in psychology at Georgia College & State University and later a master’s in education. In an August 2022 press release by the college announcing her as Teacher of the Year, she was described as “a very hard worker” from her time as an undergraduate and throughout her teaching career.
“I guess God just steered me back into teaching,” Smith said in a 2022 Baldwin Beat press release.
Smith had been teaching for over 10 years, including for Sunday School at her local church. As a teacher, she was known for using a wide variety of methods to connect with various students.
“In my classroom, we do so many different things,” Smith said. “I’m teaching with music; I’m teaching with dancing; I’m teaching with writing; I’m teaching with verbal communication.”
As of Monday, Slater’s Funeral Home had yet to announce funeral services for Smith, but many online visitors had already left messages on her tribute wall.
“We would like to express and send our most sincere and deepest condolences to the family of Coach T,” wrote Terrence and Anita Williams. “We will definitely miss your affectionate smile and character.”
Another user called JoJo wrote, “Your dedication and sacrifice to those you love has always been admirable. Your laughs, jokes, and compassion will be missed. One thing is for sure, God truly has a faithful servant on his team. Rest well.”
To be updated on funeral services or leave a message, visit online at slatersfuneralhomeinc.com/obituary/Seticia-Smith#obituary.