Johnnie Mae Rivers Smith was born on September 5, 1942 to the late C.B. & Edna James.

Johnnie valued education. She believed that education was the passport to a bright future and she readily prepared for hers. She earned her early education in the Palm Beach County School System. She graduated and earned her High School Diploma as a part of Lake Shore High School Class of 1961. After graduating high school, a beautiful and blossoming Johnnie took her talents to the "Highest of Seven Hills"; Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University. It was here that she would earn her Bachelor of Science in Mathematics. She later went on to advance her education even further by earning a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University.

Johnnie Mae was a strong woman who knew and exemplified that when a person lives for a strong purpose, then dedication, persistence and excellence isn't an option, it's a necessity. Upon completing her collegiate journey Johnnie Mae went on with the work of fulfilling her God granted purpose of invigorating the minds of learners. This journey totaled an estimate of 38 years of being a notable and well-respected educator. Her first-year teaching was at Blanche Ely High School in Broward County Schools and by year two she was led to Glades Central Community High School and served under the leadership of Dr. Effie C. Grear. It was at Pahokee Middle Senior High School where she would lay down her roots and invest 36 years of service until her retirement. Mrs. Smith was a well-rounded educator that taught not only primary education but also served in collegiate academia as an adjunct Professor at what is now Bethune-Cookman University and Palm Beach State College.

She was initiated into the Mu Rho Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. in Belle Glade. As a member of AKA Johnnie Mae held her commitment to being supreme in service to all mankind by culture and by merit proudly. Her civic engagement to the community she called home was sincere.  Her auxiliary memberships include Order of Eastern Stars and she was also one of the early members of the Women Civic League of Belle Glade after its inception.

The Bible teaches, "Husbands, love your wives" (Ephesians 5:25) and "teach the young women … to love their husbands" (Titus 2:4). Love in marriage can be deeper and more selfless than in any other relationship. It is this type of love that Jesus expects of His followers, and it is the virtue that couples need the most and that Johnnie Mae and Alvin exemplified for over five decades. On May 14, 1971 Johnnie Mae joined in holy matrimony with the man of her dreams; Mr. Alvin Smith. Together they set the tone and lived as examples of true love that inspired generations and now are reunited in eternity.

On October 2, 2022, God summoned his Angel Alvin to earth to escort Johnnie Mae to her Heavenly home. The Angel whispered in Johnnie's ear, "Come with my love. Join me again in the promised land where there will be no more pain, sadness, sickness or despair".  Johnnie Mae heard the familiar voice and gently took its hand; she closed her eyes and left it all to take her place in her Heavenly home.

Johnnie Mae was preceded in death by her parents: C.B. & Edna James, brother: Mackie Lee Davis Sr., granddaughter: Mickisha Smith, In-Law: Joycelyn Smith and her beloved husband: Alvin Smith.

Johnnie leaves sprinkles of love and treasured memories with her sons: Michael (Vickie) Smith and Keith L. Smith Sr.; In-Laws: Mattie Davis, Nathaniel Gilbert, Victoria Smith, Herman (Stacy) Smith, Mary (Garth) Ferguson, Joseph Smith, Cephus (Shornette) Smith, Linda Armbrister, Jane Smith, Willam Smith and Sandra (Kenson) Gilles. Johnnie Mae is also survived by her grandchildren: Kanysha (Keavin) Ingram, Tequesta Moore, Levenski Nelson Sr., Keith L. Smith Jr., Demetria Burke, Miteria Smith, Mikela (Roland) Armstrong, Michaela Smith, Travetta Smith, Michael A. Smith Jr., Tyler Smith, Markevious Smith, Kiersten Gilmore; honorary grandchildren: Nikita Young and Jeremy Tucker; great-grandchildren: Tytiana Lester, Levenski Nelson Jr., Kenan  Smith, Jada Burke, Jordan Tucker, Demi Josinvil, Kailand Armstrong, Madison Smith, Alayah Dowdell, Taylor Wrisper, Kennedi Armstrong, Jason Vassell Jr., Kingston Ingram, Mariyah Smith, Kali Wrisper, Kharlie Armstrong, and Melanie Smith; honorary great-grandchildren: Nikia White and Caeden White; nieces and nephews: Beverly Baqueed, Terri (Marvin) Smith, Mackie (Sheryl) Davis, Angela Davis, Mackie (Tanya) Davis; god-sister: Mary Bell Washington; and god-daughter: LaKisha Scarlett.