CINCINNATI — Pamela M.T. Smitherman, wife of Cincinnati Vice Mayor Christopher Smitherman, has died after a two-year bout with breast cancer.
Christopher Smitherman made the announcement Tuesday “with great sadness.” He said Pamela, 48, was a teacher and mother of five.
“Pamela spent 21 years of her life teaching in Cincinnati Public Schools. Her legacy of preparing children for the future will far outlive her,” Smitherman said in a statement.
“Pamela and I shared 28 years of marriage and, together, had five wonderful children. To us, she was a loving caregiver, educator and role model – she was my best friend.”
The Smitherman children, as pictured above, are Isaac (18), Malcolm (20), Camille (10), Caleb (16) and Christopher II (22). The Smithermans met at Bowling Green State University, when Pamela was an undergraduate and Christopher was working on his master's degree. The family lives in North Avondale.
"While we mourn her passing, our children and I have felt, and deeply appreciate, the prayers of our friends and neighbors in this great city," Smitherman said.
"Our faith in God remains strong and we ask Him for strength as we mourn the loss of a fantastic mother and wife.
"It is with heavy heart that I now find comfort in the verse most favored by Pamela."
"In the same way, let your light so shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:16)
Smitherman' statement thanked the public "for your continued prayers, blessings and support." He also expressed his support for others fighting cancer.
"The plight of cancer knows no bounds. We continue to pray for all those afflicted by this horrible disease, their families and their caregivers," Smitherman said. "May God grant you the strength to persevere."
Smtherman thanked Hospice of Cincinnati, the Karen Wellington Foundation and the UC Health Barrett Cancer Center "for their incredible support."
Public services will be held on Saturday, Jan. 26, 2019 at Allen Temple AME Church, 7030 Reading Road. Visitation is 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Funeral services are 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Donations should be directed to Hospice of Cincinnati, the Karen Wellington Foundation, UC Health Barrett Cancer Center or the Greater Cincinnati Foundation for the benefit of Pamela M.T. Smitherman.
Read Smitherman's complete statement below.
— Christopher Smitherman (@voteSmitherman) January 15, 2019
