Rice community mourns loss of Jones School employee Tina Smith

Tina Smith, a technology and procurement manager for Rice’s Jones Graduate School of Business, died Sept. 23. She was 42.

TINA SMITH

Described by her peers as a “role model,” Smith was a familiar face at the Jones School over the last four years and was known for her optimistic attitude, willingness to help in any situation and the warmth she brought on a daily basis to McNair Hall, said Bill Glick, dean of the Jones School.

Elaine Brewer, director of technology at the Jones School and Smith’s supervisor, described her as “positive, brave and strong.” Brewer said her team will miss Smith’s laugh, caring personality and the way she made everyone she met feel special.

“She took care of everyone before taking care of herself,” Brewer said.

Smith joined the Jones School in 2009. She is survived by her son, Joshua Smith of Houston, and parents, Alice Robinson and Bernard Smith; sister, Danielle Daniels; and brothers, Chris and Kenneth Robinson, all of Florida.

Funeral services for Smith will be held Oct. 5 in Jacksonville, Fla. A Jones School memorial will be held at a later date.