Dr. Irene Hill-Smith, a trailblazing pioneer whose spirit captivated the heart of everyone she met, transitioned to life eternal with her heavenly Father on Sunday, March 27, 2011. She was 85 years old and forever young. Dr. Hill-Smith began her beautiful journey on October 14, 1925, in Mullica Hill, NJ as the only daughter of the late Charles and Sarah Hill. She is predeceased by seven brothers and is survived by three children, Bishop S. Terri Smith-Little (Charles) of Sugar Land, TX, Michelle Newton (deceased) and H. Michael Smith (Toni) of Paulsboro, NJ; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. Dr. Hill-Smith obtained her elementary education in a one room, segregated schoolhouse in Mullica Hill and later graduated from Glassboro High School in Glassboro, NJ. She continued her studies at Virginia State College in Petersburg, VA and later received her Doctorate in Humanities from Rowan University of Glassboro, NJ. Dr. Hill-Smith was a lifelong humanitarian and civil rights activist whose legacy spanned more than four decades. Her many accomplishments include serving as President of the Gloucester County Branch of the NAACP in 1963. She also served as a member of the NAACP’s National Board of Directors and as National Vice President from 1967 to 1979. In 1966, her leadership was recognized by then President Lyndon Baines Johnson who invited Dr. Hill-Smith to participate in a White House Conference on Civil Rights. Dr. Irene Hill-Smith was a courageous woman whose love for mankind knew no limits. She once remarked, "Everything I have been blessed to do is very important because it has made a difference in somebody’s life." Her death represents the passing of an icon. She is quite simply stated, a lady, a leader, a legend that will never be forgotten. A viewing will be held at Second Baptist Church, 1540 Swedesboro Avenue, from 10am to 6pm on Thursday, March 31, 2011. Services will be Friday, April 1 at 11am at Second Baptist Church with the burial at Gates of Heaven Cemetery, East Greenwich Township. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to a scholarship fund established through D.I.V.A International in Dr. Hill-Smith’s honor. (www.diva1.org) Written condolences can be sent to the family through the funeral homes website www.edwardsandsonfuneralhome.com. Services are entrusted to EDWARDS AND SON FUNERAL HOME INC., Bridgeton and Salem, N.J.