Kathey C. (Thomas) Roberts-Smith, age 71, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 16th, 2026, at 12:10 p.m. at The Springs of Lima. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 2nd, 10:30 a.m. at Philippian Missionary Baptist Church in Lima, Ohio.

Early Life

Kathey C. Smith was born on May 1, 1954, in Detroit, Michigan, to Harvie Thomas Sr. and Cynthia Siggers. Raised in Cleveland, Ohio with a strong foundation of faith, hard work, and community values that would define her life and career.

Education & Career

Kathey was a proud graduate of Wilberforce University, where she earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in organizational management and leadership.

Kathey launched her career as a carpenter and coordinator for Lima's Rehab Project, where she discovered that her greatest gift wasn't just building structures but building people. She carried that passion into the classroom, teaching property and construction management to incarcerated individuals and planting seeds of possibility wherever she went. In 1995, the Ohio Correctional Education Association recognized what so many already knew, naming her Teacher of the Year.

In 1998, Kathey made history as the first African American woman appointed Director of Parks & Recreation for the City of Lima under Mayor David J. Berger. Stewarding 11 parks across 283 acres, she poured her heart into the green spaces that shaped community life. Perhaps no achievement carried more personal meaning than her leadership of the committee that secured Juneteenth as an official city holiday.

She later became the North Regional Director of Ohio Penal Industries (OPI), continuing her mission of equipping incarcerated individuals with the skills to re-enter society with purpose and the best chance at maintaining employment. Toward the end of her career, she served as a consultant for the Department of Education, advocating tirelessly for equity in education.

Personal Life & Character

On April 17, 2004, Kathey was united in holy matrimony to John H. Smith, sharing a loving union until his passing on June 19, 2024. As a member of Philippian Missionary Baptist Church, Kathey lived her faith as naturally as she breathed. She had a gift for conversation, especially when the topic turned to business, and an even greater gift for making people feel seen, valued, and capable of more than they imagined. Her love of music, her joy in gathering with others, and her vibrant sense of humor left a lasting impression on all who knew her.

At the time of her passing, her devoted best friend, Denise Battle-White, was by her side, a testament to the lifelong bonds she formed.

Kathey leaves to cherish her memory her two sons, Dion R. Johnson of Harlem, New York, and Katone T. Roberts of Columbus, Ohio; two brothers, Harvie Thomas Jr. of Lima, Ohio, and Adorium Williams (Anniece) of Los Angeles, California; a sister, Arkardia Williams of Los Angeles, California; two grandsons; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

In addition to her husband and parents, Kathey was preceded in death by her three siblings, Barbara Ann Dixon, Cynthia Maxine Hurns, and Kim Thomas.

A Note of Remembrance

Kathey will be remembered for her trailblazing accomplishments, her compassionate spirit, and her unwavering commitment to helping others grow and succeed. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Persons interested in donating in her memory can make contributions to the City of Lima’s Parks Department (50 Town Square, Lima, Ohio 45801) for support of the community’s annual Juneteenth celebration or visiting the following GoFundMe page devoted to Honoring Kathey: Support Lima’s Juneteenth.

Fundraiser by Katone Roberts : Honoring Kathey: Support Lima’s Juneteenth 

https://www.gofundme.com/f/honoring-kathey-support-limas-juneteenth?attribution_id=sl:9b1538bb-fbe1-47b8-a1b6-d58c9b2216d6&lang=en_US&ts=1776743812&utm_campaign=fp_sharesheet&utm_content=amp17_td-amp20_t1&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link