Dr. Kitty Smith has made a significant impact in the 20 years she has served as pastor of Oak Grove Baptist Church in Buckingham County.

This was evident from the people of all ages and walks of life that filled the pews of the church building and spoke about her meaningful messages, her wisdom and her love for those around her.

She said the challenges she has experienced as a woman in pastoral ministry have not outweighed the benefits of finding a community and a home in the Heart of Virginia, particularly after the loss of her husband.

The Rev. James P. Ashton, pastor of First Baptist Church, said it succinctly while capturing the sentiment felt by those who know her.

“We love you,” Ashton said.

Smith, for her advocacy at the Social Services Administration in recruiting more than 900 employees to volunteer, was honored by Patricia Nixon in person in 1975 and awarded at the Kennedy Center that same day.

She received her doctorate at the age of 63. She worked as a legislative assistant for the Virginia General Assembly. Her voice, warmth and experience in issues of government, spirituality and the rights of women have made a difference to those around her and have certainly made a difference to people in the Heart of Virginia.

“I am really proud of all of the things, all of my life experiences,” Smith said. “There’ve been some valleys as well as hills, but the hills have outnumbered the valleys.”

Here’s to another 20 years. Smith, thank you for sharing your extraordinary life with us.

EMILY HOLLINGSWORTH is a staff reporter for The Farmville Herald and Farmville Newsmedia LLC. Her email address is Emily.Hollingsworth@ FarmvilleHerald.com.