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Robert Shuler Smith

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Family, friends, and colleagues filed into Lakeover Memorial on Tuesday to view the body of former Hinds County District Attorney Robert Shuler Smith. Smith died last Friday from injuries suffered in an automobile accident Sept. 1st in West Jackson. Smith was buried in a private service on Wednesday. Serving as Hinds County District Attorney from 2008-2018, Smith ran for governor in 2019. (Photo by Jay D. Johnson)

Former District Attorney Robert Shuler Smith passed away on September 10, 2021. He was born to Royce Mervin Smith and Lou Alice Smith on January 11, 1971, in Jackson, Mississippi. Born into a loving Christian family, he was the son and grandson of ministers of the gospel. Robert Shuler was baptized at an early age at Rosemont Baptist Church by his grandfather, Rev. David D. Smith.

He was raised in a family that taught their sons the value of education. His fervor for education and Christian beliefs were the driving forces that led him to fight for equity and justice. Robert Shuler graduated from Forest Hill High School and Tougaloo College. He attended Saint Louis University School of Law in St. Louis, Missouri, graduating in 1996 with a Juris Doctor degree and was admitted to the Mississippi State Bar in September 1996. Attorney Robert Smith was licensed to practice law in all courts in the State of Mississippi, including the Supreme Court of Mississippi as well as the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals located in New Orleans, Louisiana.

He began his practice as an attorney in the location of the former Smith’s Supermarket owned by his grandfather, Rev. R.L.T. Smith. Robert worked as a Prosecutor with the City of Jackson and a Public Defender with Hinds County. He was sworn in as the Hinds County District Attorney in 2008 and served 12 years. For the past year and a half, Attorney Smith has been running the Cochran Law Firm in Jackson.
Attorney Smith was a member of numerous professional and community organizations, including the Mississippi Bar Association, Magnolia Bar Association, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), and Central Mississippi Health Services, Inc. He consistently gave back to his community as a member of the West Jackson Community Development Corporation and as a volunteer mentor for Jackson Public Schools.

Robert Shuler was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Rev. R.L.T. Smith and Mrs. Annie Louise Smith, and maternal grandfather, Rev. David D. Smith.

Robert leaves to lovingly remember him, his parents, Dr. Lou Alice Smith and Dr. Royce Mervin Smith, Jackson, MS; his maternal grandmother, Mrs. Pinkie Smith Amos, Jackson, MS; son, Raphael Shuler Smith, Hawthorne, New Jersey; daughter, Jada Smith, Washington, D.C.; brother, Royce Mervin (Lynda) Smith, Jr., Pearl, MS; nephew, Royce L.T. Smith; niece; Chanita Hicks; many aunts, uncles, cousins, and other relatives and friends; and his faithful dog, Odie.

Visitation was held September 14 at Lakeover Funeral Home, Jackson, MS. A private family graveside service was held September 15.

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When Robert was young, we nicknamed him “Fish”. Many thought it was because of his eyes, but he was named after the character on the show “Barney Miller”. Robert could look at you with an expression that needed no words. I might say, “Robert, why did you do that?” And he would give me the “Fish” look. He always loved dogs and treated them like one of the family. He was a regular boy who got into things – never asking for permission or forgiveness. He was our “Fish”. Robert was always smart and knew he wanted to become an attorney. One of my fondest memories was one Thanksgiving he came to my house with a bag. I thought maybe he bought sodas or paper plates. But instead, it was a whole fish. He asked me to light up the grill because he wanted to show me how to really cook! It was delicious, and he never allowed me to forget his dish stole the show. We will miss “Fish”, but he will forever remain in our hearts as the little boy who cared little about what others thought. He was strong-willed and determined to do what he thought was the right thing. As he aged, the look came with words that left many speechless.
Lynn Smith Seals
Lynn Smith SealsAunt
The Smith family legacy was carried on by Robert, following in the footsteps of his great grandfather, grandfather, and father. Just like them, he became a businessman, a community leader, and a person with tenacity. Robert presented himself as a fair leader and a clear, precise speaker and he was an advocate lawyer for the underserved. It takes a special kind of person to care enough to take time for others. He took time for a conversation, no matter who you were. Robert was the kind of person who would do whatever it took to help somebody in the legal and the community world. Robert was someone who knew that giving makes life a pleasure and that thoughtfulness is the best measure of a person.
Carol Todd Robinson
Carol Todd Robinson
It is truly an honor and a privilege to express my deepest condolences to all mourning the untimely transition of our hero and brother Robert Shuler Smith. My first encounter with Robert was as a freshman, while he was a junior, at Jackson State University. He struck me as one of the most enthusiastic young thinkers anywhere. He was quick on his feet to help those in need. Years later, as a criminal defense attorney, those traits held strong. He truly believed in “INNOCENT UNTIL proven guilty” and not the other way around. I am a living witness to the power of the Creator. God will bless someone else so that he may bless you. Robert went in the lion’s den for me in 2005 and fought untruth and won. He had a heart made of gold I am sure, because as the District Attorney of Hinds County, he protected us with an unconditional love that endures even now. His body may be gone, but his spirit is true blue and it lives on. Thank you Counselor! We love you.
Ryan C. Mack
Ryan C. Mack
District Attorney Robert Shuler Smith was truly a lawyer for the people. His legacy is one of a friend and a fighter. As a friend, Robert would give anyone the shirt off of his back. He listened and counseled anyone who had a question or was in need of advice. He was instrumental in developing young lawyers throughout the state and country. As a fighter, Robert always stood by his convictions of what he believed was right. He never backed down to pressure from the status quo and was willing to put it all on the line again and again. When it would have been easier to quit, Robert chose to fight. When Robert was outnumbered, he chose to fight. Hinds County was fortunate to have Robert Shuler Smith as a friend and a fighter.
Jody E. Owens, IIHinds County District Attorney
Another brave soldier has gone home to rest. The State of Mississippi, Hinds County, and the City of Jackson have lost an icon in the legal and business fields in former District Attorney Robert Shuler Smith. His legacy, that remains vivid in my memory, goes back to his grandfather, the Reverend R. L. T. Smith. Civil rights and economic freedom for Blacks in Mississippi were part of God’s plan as demonstrated by Reverend Smith. Robert Shuler carried on in the tradition of his grandfather. He broke barriers that many will follow in his footsteps. May his family and friends find peace in leaning on their faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Kenneth I. StokesCity of Jackson Ward 3 Councilman
Our hearts are saddened by the passing of such a fine young man who dedicated his life to civil rights as did his parents and grandparents. Robert Shuler Smith fought for all, regardless of their station in life. It didn’t matter if you were rich or poor, he refused to give up until justice prevailed. Even when the tables were turned and he found himself the victim of injustice, he pressed on. We thank God for seeing him through those difficult times and giving him the heart not to hold a grudge against anyone. The respect he received from the community will live on. Robert loved life and spending time with his family. He was fun loving and enjoyed the simple things in life, like eating chicken wings he was too happy to share with anyone who happened by. He will surely be missed.
Rev. P.J. WilliamsPastor of Cornerstone Baptist Church
Robert Shuler Smith was the first candidate I publicly campaigned for. He was Charles Tisdale’s choice for Hinds County District Attorney. Following Tisdale’s death, I was compelled to do all I could to elect Robert. Not only did we become immediate friends and comrades in the struggle for human dignity, I considered Robert as my godbrother and his parents were my godparents. He has always had my full support throughout his public service career and in his private law practice. Although short in stature, Robert was a giant for the underserved. His love for justice, fair play, and being just a downright nice guy remains to be surpassed.
Alice Tisdale PerkinsJackson Advocate Publisher Emerita
I knew Robert best when we were kids – catching footballs, hooping, playing baseball with a tennis ball in the vacant lot across the street from his parent’s house. He was competitive but funny and had a lot of heart with attitude. He was younger, smaller, but never wanted us to take it easy on him. He was relentless and, of course, got better over time. It was no surprise that he became successful in his career. He carried that same spirit into adulthood. He was our neighbor and our little brother, proud to have his back, but I think secretly we were all happy he had ours!
Darryl Pete
With a heavy heart I sit here this evening with emotions high and a breaking heart. “Robert” Shuler Smith, your departure has hit all of us hard, especially me. You were not only my friend, but someone I truly admired because of your Courage and your Compassion. Through my friendship with you, I am now able to grasp and understand this world that I live in a lot better. I just think about how you helped me understand what my mission truly is as a servant, through your actions. I thank God for you my Friend. I think about how your friendship covers so many people. These are the things that made you such a good person and a trusted friend, but also a wonderful and dedicated Public Servant. Remembering your Bravery and love of life can teach us all a great deal about the countless challenges we all face right now, especially if we remember your Strength and your Wisdom that should guide us to do the right thing, no matter how difficult it can be at times. Remembering the many things that made you the man that you were will be my guide to continued public service. I will miss you, Robert. You made a difference in my life. Your Legacy will live on through me and others. “A friend loves at all times and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” Rest now my friend, until we meet again.
Jacqueline R. Amos National Democratic Committee Woman Hinds County Democratic Executive Committee, Chair
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Robert Shuler Smith

By Jackson Advocate News Service
September 29, 2021