[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 63 (Tuesday, April 8, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E298]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING THE LIFE OF KATHY GEARHEART SMITH

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. H. MORGAN GRIFFITH

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, April 8, 2025

  Mr. GRIFFITH. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Kathy Gearheart Smith, 
who passed away on March 12th at the age of 70.
  Of the important roles Ms. Smith embraced in her life, perhaps one of 
the most meaningful was as a wife.
  Ms. Smith was happily married to her late husband, Stephen, for many 
years. They shared a strong bond and growing appreciation for their 
greater family, which now includes three grandchildren.
  In addition to her love for her family, Ms. Smith adamantly cared 
about the wellbeing of her community in the Roanoke Valley. This was 
most evident in her public service positions. She worked in my state 
legislative office, and later in my Congressional office.
  These positions required Ms. Smith to be a professional 
representative for both offices and interact with thousands of 
constituents in the community. I was grateful for the true dedication, 
precise care and exceptional character with which she treated her job.
  Ms. Smith was a great person to be around for my staff and myself. I 
appreciated her friendly demeanor and joyful nature during her long 
tenure helping me and the people of the 8th District of the Virginia 
House of Delegates and Virginia's 9th Congressional District of the 
United States House of Representatives.
  Those left to cherish her memory are her sister, Diana Gearheart; 
brother, Chuck Gearheart; sister-in-law, Jennifer Gearheart; son, Jake 
Smith; grandsons, Caleb, Ethan, and Micah Smith; and numerous brothers 
and sisters-in-law, nephews, and nieces.
  The impacts that Ms. Smith had on her community will surely be 
missed. I will cherish my memories of her and celebrate her life.

                          ____________________