There are few persons who have had an impact on their communities as have Genevieve ‘Teacher Gen’ Smith, on the Potters Village community.
As a teacher at the Potters Primary School for more than 40 years, she has taught generations of students not only from the Potters village, but from neighbouring villages such as Pigotts and St. Johnson’s Village.
As a teacher, Teacher Gen, was a no-nonsense person, a disciplinarian who believed that teaching goes beyond academics; it also meant molding the person to be an outstanding member of the community.
Many of the successful individuals who passed through her tutelage, often credit her for helping to set the foundation upon which their later successes were built.
For the people of Potters, especially the ‘Bottom Farm’ area where she lived, Teacher Gen was more than a teacher; she was the humanitarian who opened her doors to scores of people, many of whom she adopted or assisted in some way to make their lives more bearable. This, she did, even though she was not known to be a person of great means herself.
She raised nine children of her own; all of whom have lived accomplished lives. Two are ministers in the Moravian Church – Rev. Denise Smith-Lewis, who is also a writer and poet, and Rev. Patmore Smith, an outstanding musician and songwriter, who is also the Music Minister within the Moravian Church.
Her many grandchildren include, the Minister of Agriculture, Anthony Smith Jnr. and journalist, J’Noure Smith-Kellman, one of the news presenters at Point FM/Point Television.
Teacher Gen herself has been an outstanding member of the Potters Moravian Church as she has served on many of the church’s committees and has many meaningful contributions towards the spiritual growth and development of the church over the years.
A stalwart in the education, Teacher Gen was known for her unwavering dedication to nurturing young minds, inspiring both students and fellow educators alike.
The cherished teacher also fostered 63 children, but her caring influence reached far beyond that number, positively affecting countless lives over her lifetime. She was particularly passionate about unlocking the potential of children with special needs.
In January 2024, several annual scholarships at Potters Primary School to honour outstanding students as a tribute to her. This scholarship will recognize the top male and female students, the student who is most in need, and the most improved student.
Potters Village and Potters Zion Moravian Church are in mourning for this beloved matriarch of the community.
