11/11/1999
Correctional Officer Shannon Smith Johnston Correctional Center, Smithfield, North Carolina North Carolina Department of Correction Correctional Officer Shannon Smith of Johnston Correctional Center, Smithfield, North Carolina was killed on November 11, 1999 while supervising an inmate work crew. She was working alongside the highway when a motorist talking on a cellular phone lost control of the vehicle and hit her. Officer Smith was transported to the hospital but died from her injuries. She was 25 years old and had worked for the North Carolina Department of Correction for four years. Officer Smith was an active member of the State Employees Association of North Carolina (SEANC). She was known for “giving 100%” and at the time of her death, she was doing what she loved best, “totin’ a shotgun.” Officer Smith is survived by her husband, Scott; daughter, Courtney Cuddington; father, Bennie Cuddington; and sister, Melda Smith.