Dr. Anita-Rae Smith (Pankey)

Dr. Anita-Rae Smith Pankey was called home to be with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Thursday May 9, 2024, surrounded by her loving children and close family friend. She was born on June 14, 1939, at Columbia Hospital in Washington, D.C. to the parentage of Pvt. James Flores and Mrs. Grace Flores. At the tender age of 6 months, she was gracefully adopted by her great aunt and uncle Dr. and Mrs. Ray Campbell Smith and moved to New York City in the area of Harlem known as the "Sugar Hill."

Throughout her life, Dr. Anita-Rae achieved numerous milestones, including winning the "Voice of Democracy Contest" at Jackson Burley High School; winning several other oratorical contests, and being among the first 100 African American women credentialed as a Practical Nurse from the joint diploma program between Jackson Burley High School and the University of Virginia. She pursued higher education at Howard University Liberal Arts College, graduating in June 1964 with a bachelor of science degree in zoology and psychology.

During her time at Howard University, she married the love of her life, Dr. Titus Pankey Jr. and welcomed three of their five children: Harriet, Titus and Anita II. Dr. Anita-Rae was actively involved in various organizations, such as Beta Kappa Chi Scientific Honor Society, Gamma Sigma Sigma (service sorority), and pledged Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. Dr. Anita-Rae continued working as an LPN in the Children's Hospital in D.C. and in the federal government at the Naval Research Laboratory. She started at Howard University Medical School in September 1966, receiving her medical degree in June 4, 1970. She attended the University of Maryland and Crownsville State Hospital to do a three-year residency in psychiatry. Dr. Anita-Rae stayed employed at Crownsville State Hospital whereas she found mental status evaluation work very interesting and challenging. In later years, Alan Titus and Caesar-Allen Titus (Sam) were born.

She dedicated herself to a career in psychiatry, working at Crownsville State Hospital in Maryland, then in later years, she practiced in Milledgeville at Central State Hospital, where she made significant contributions to the field. Dr. Anita-Rae was recognized as the first Black female psychiatrist at Central State Hospital and within her early years there she introduced the technique of rapid tranquilization therapy. Dr. Anita-Rae also served as vice president of Central State Hospital Medical Association one year during her tenure. Her passion for helping others touched many lives, and she will be remembered for her unconditional love and dedication.

Dr. Anita-Rae was a faithful member at Flagg Chapel Baptist Church before her illness. She was a member of the Pearl E. Evans Order of Eastern Star Macon, Georgia; Milledgeville Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.; and Lady Essence Civic and Social Club of Milledgeville. She cherished her feline companion, "Queenie," and enjoyed watching her favorite television series, such as "The Young and the Restless" and BET channels.

Dr. Anita-Rae is preceded in death by children: Harriet Anna Pankey; Alan Titus Pankey (son); and Caesar Allen Titus Pankey (son); grandson, Gregory K. Hairston II; and son-in-law, James Edward Joyner.

She leaves to celebrate her life and continue her legacy, her son, Sgt. Titus Pankey III (Manuela), and daughter, Anita-Rae Pankey Joyner; grandchildren: Nicole Anita Hull; Roosevelt Woolfork IV; Riley Svetlina Pankey; and great grandchildren: Jocko, Tristan, Madison, Trendon and Reagan; her devoted sister, Cornelia (Lawrence); nephews: Clifton Johnson; Clifton Jr; and niece, Tifton Johnson. Her devoted special friends: John Ross; Esther N. Estwick; and Lillie Jackson. Her special cousins: Edward "Butch" and Annette Brown; and host of extended family and friends. She leaves behind a legacy of compassion, dedication and love that will be cherished by all who knew her.

The family is accepting visitation at 163 O'Connor Drive from 4 to 7 p.m. daily until Dr. Smith's services on Thursday, May 16, 2024, at 11 a.m. at Flagg Chapel Baptist Church located at 400 W. Franklin St., Milledgeville, Georgia. Dr. Omer Reid will officiate. Interment will follow at Baldwin Memorial Gardens, Milledgeville, Georgia.

Express your condolences, thoughts, and prayers to the Smith family @ www.peoplesfuneralhomemilledgeville.com

Peoples Funeral Home is entrusted with final arrangements.