On Saturday, February 22, 2025, WBRC reported that Judge Carole Smitherman is officially retiring after two decades of service on the bench, but she plans to remain active in the legal field. A retirement celebration was held on Friday night in Birmingham, Alabama, attended by colleagues, friends, and family, recognizing her significant contributions to public service and her historic career.
Judge Smitherman made history as the first African American female judge in Jefferson County and also served as Birmingham’s first Black female mayor. Her extensive career included a tenure on the Birmingham City Council, where she represented District 6. Smitherman’s influence has been profound, shaping both the legal and political landscape in Alabama.
Javan Patton Crayton, a Civil Circuit Judge for Alabama’s 10th Judicial Circuit, highlighted her unique position as the only African American female to have served across all branches of government: the judiciary, legislature, and executive. He emphasized her role in creating opportunities for others in the community.
During her retirement party, Judge Smitherman, dressed in royal purple, enjoyed the festivities, reflecting on her career and the obstacles she overcame. She remarked on her experiences, stating, “Sometimes you can be the tester. I was the test person—and I passed the test.”
Her daughter, Crystal Smitherman, who is a Birmingham City Councilor, acknowledged that despite her mother’s numerous achievements, her primary role has always been that of a mother. Crystal expressed pride in her mother’s ability to balance family responsibilities with her professional life, emphasizing her involvement in family events and activities.
Although stepping down from her judicial role, Judge Smitherman intends to continue practicing law at her family’s law firm and may occasionally take on cases as a judge. She also shared a personal aspiration to open a pancake house on the Gulf Coast, where she could work mornings and enjoy the beach in the evenings.
Reflecting on her time as a judge, Smitherman expressed satisfaction with her service and the trust placed in her by the community. She stated, “The stories that people told, I could remember. And it makes me feel good that the people trusted me with their position—and that I delivered for them.”
With her continued involvement in the legal community and dedication to family, Judge Carole Smitherman remains a prominent figure in Alabama’s legal landscape, even as she enters this new phase of her life.
Source: WBRC
