Bruce dePyssler

The following tribute was given at Denita Smith’s January 11 funeral at the University Park Baptist Church in Charlotte. Denita, as the North Carolina Central University adviser to the Campus Echo, I want to thank you for your contribution to the University’s student newspaper.

It was a privilege being your teacher. I loved teaching you how to hold a camera and write a news story like a pro.

I loved the way you took such pride in your work, the way you were never quite satisfied.

One day, years from now, you’d have popped into the Campus Echo unannounced and you’d have said in that gentle voice of yours: “DP, I’ve got my PhD now.” And you’d have said: “You’re right. It wasn’t that hard.”

And I’d have said: “Well, of course, Denita. Not for you.”

It is difficult to accept that that day will not arrive.

For my colleagues, the teachers at the University, I want to say thank you. Denita, you were a student who made us feel like successful teachers. You made us eager to keep trying to do our best.

For your colleagues — the students in the choir, the Sound Machine, the Writing Studio, student government, the New York Times Student Journalism Institute and the Campus Echo — I want to say thank you.

You just never let anyone down, did you?

It would take a news reporter like you to completely uncover the contributions you made to these student organizations.

From all of us, teachers and students and administrators, I want to thank your parents and family for sharing you with us. You’ve done such a fine job turning your daughter into a woman.

Jaleesa and Jonathan, your big sister left you a gift that you’ll have for the rest of your lives: the example she set.

When you face life’s difficult decisions, have a conversation with her. She’ll always have some great advice for you.

I know you’ll never forget your big sister, but know that this sadness will lift. You have many productive and happy years ahead of you.

Denita, you left us thinking that all of your photographs were lost in a computer crash. I didn’t have time to tell you that we had recovered them. I didn’t know you’d be leaving us so soon.

Of course your buddy Rony figured out a way to put a slide show of your favorite shots on the Internet. Now the world can see them. I’ll always love the ones you took of the step show years ago.

I know you’re already busy making heaven a better place. And you’re the one to figure out how to do just that. But when you have the time, take a look at your photos again and remember us at the Campus Echo.

Denita, did you know you’d have such a short time with us? Is that why you packed so much success into such a short time?

We love you and we will miss you.

You were so kind.

I know that you didn’t ever want anyone to hurt. And I know you wouldn’t want us to hurt for too long over your early departure.

That’s going to be a difficult assignment, Denita, but we will try our best.

Just like you always did.