Olivia Smith

Olivia Marion Scroggins Smith was born on December 10, 1955 to Marion and James Scroggins in Baltimore, Maryland. Olivia passed away on November 1, 2024 at the age of 68. She is survived by her devoted husband of 37 years, Rodney; her loving children, James, Tomauria, Adorrah, Rahlana, and Rashard; her son in laws Colin and Randolph; her cherished grandchildren, DeAngelo, Aryana, Jasmine, Brianna, and Gianna; and her beloved older cousin, whom she loved like a brother, Joseph Monroe.

A devoted mother, loving wife, inspiring leader, and phenomenal educator, Olivia had a nearly 30-year career in education. She received her bachelor's degree in Biology from Morgan State University. Immediately after graduation, she taught at the Anatomy and Physiology Lab at Coppin State University. After the birth of her eldest daughter, she taught science at Lemmel Middle School. Upon giving birth to her two youngest daughters, Olivia decided to take some time off to tend to her young children. She later rejoined the workforce to run a Baltimore based branch lab for Rochester Midland Corporation, where she created an entire layman's lab manual for the organization. After five years at Rochester Midland, Olivia attended the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program in echocardiography at the University of Maryland.

Olivia's passion for education led her to return to teaching, so she taught Language Arts and Social Studies at a private school. She then transitioned to the Baltimore Public Schools System and pursued a dual master's degree in Leadership in Teaching and Library Media Specialist from the Notre Dame of Maryland University. Olivia took the principal's exam in 2007 and received her Advanced Professional Certification for Admin I & II as well as her Library Media Specialist Certification. She joined the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) in 2012. She completed the NAESP National Mentor Certification in 2014, then went on to receive her administrator's certification for both the state of Virginia and Washington D.C. As a life-long learner and educator, she took pride in motivating youth and sparking their interest in achieving greatness for their future. She saw her success through her students' success. Olivia retired from Digital Harbor High School as a Media Center Specialist.

Olivia was dearly loved by the many friends that she made from all over the world. She was a pioneer and trendsetter who always marched to the beat of her own drum. She loved to travel, taking her family on countless fun-filled vacations, and attended numerous education related seminars across the nation. Olivia had a nurturing and loving spirit. Both she and her husband, Rodney, shared not only the same exact birthday, but also their love for making new friends in the most unlikely settings, with whom they formed life-long connections. Olivia is deeply missed by all who knew her and will live on forever in our hearts.

Services at Sol Levinson's Chapel, 8900 Reisterstown Road Pikesville, MD 21208, on Tuesday, November 12th, 2024, at 11:30am. Interment Arbutus Memorial Park. Contributions in Olivia's memory may be sent to the American Cancer Society.