While responding to a disturbance in a dorm, Correctional Officer III Helen Smith of Pasquotank Correctional Institution, encountered an inmate who was trying to exit the dorm while surrounded by several other inmates.  Officer Smith radioed for the slider door to open, and pulled the inmate out of the dorm. He became combative and struggled with Officer Smith. A sergeant arrived to assist, and dispersed pepper spray. The inmate was put in restraints, and the dorm was placed in lock down.

Immediately Officer Smith started to hyperventilate and struggled to breathe. Outside medical was called and she was transported to the hospital where she was pronounced dead a short time later, from an apparent heart attack.  Correctional Officer III Helen Smith served the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction for three years.  Officer Smith was honored at PROJECT 2000 XXXIV.

Her husband, Tony Smith and adult daughter, Samantha Smith, were joined by the Central Regional Director Herachio Haywood and Warden Daniel Everett.  Helen’s smile was one that would light up any room she was in. She was the kind of person who found joy in the simplest of things. She loved the beach, she loved to dance, she loved to sing karaoke and have a cocktail. Mexican food was her favorite. There was nothing more rewarding or more important to Helen than FAMILY! She was married over thirty years to her best friend, Tony.

Her two children, Samantha and Drew and her grand-babies Liam, Olivia, Brantley, Lawson, and Carley Joe were the light of her life. She cherished the relationships with her siblings and extended family members. Helen will forever be loved and missed by all who knew her.

During PROJECT 2000, each honored family is assigned an escort. Officer Smith’s family was escorted by Correctional Sergeant III Marinda Waller from Central Prison.