Dorothy Smith

Services for Mrs. Dorothy Smith can be seen on the First AME Facebook page as "Facebook Live" beginning 11:00 AM, Friday, February 12, 2021 using the following link:
https://www.facebook.com/FirstFAMECHURCH (Copy & Paste Link)

Dorothy Smith was born in Athens, Georgia on March 12, 1927 the daughter of Annie Laura Thorton and Fred Houston (both preceded).  She was also preceded in death by her brother W.C. Flanigan and her husband James Smith.  She attended and graduated from Athens High and Industrial School. 

At an early age Dorothy moved to Pittsburg, PA and work there before returning to her home town of Athens, GA.  Her passion for travel casued her to travel the world.  Some of her destinations included The Grand Canyon, Mexico, Austraila, Germany, Amsterdam, Hawaii, Alaska, Name an island in The Caribian and she was there.  Her faith drew her to Jeruselem where she was baptized again.  Her traveling spirit inspired others to get their passport and see the world and meet new friends as she never met a stranger. 

Dorothy had four other passions in life.  Her first was First AME Church, next was fishing another was food and feeding others and the last was BINGO.   She would find a local fishing hole or deep-sea fishing in the Atlantic.  She would share her knowledge of fishing with anyone that was ready to learn.   Regarding food Dorothy would find herself working as a dietician in the Clark County School System where she provided meals for students at Clark Central High School Timothy Rod Elementary and Oglethorpe Elementary where she eventually retired.  She was a true pioneer in her role as one of the few Black Women with the role and opportunity.  Dorothy would also feed people from her home.  If there was anyone in need or hungry, she would be there to provide comfort through a hot and delicious meal.  There were so many nights that were spent at the VFW at Bishop Park with a stamp and so many BINGO cards. 

Dorothy loved her family and her friends.   She was the rock and the glue that made sure that all were taken care of and that there would always be a safe place to reside.  She would care and share all she had, to make sure they were happy and safe.   She was the last matriarch of the family.

On February 8th, 2021 Dorothy left the confines of her earthly restrictions and made the biggest travel experience ever.  She joins her brother, aunts, uncles, and a myriad of ancestors that moved on before her.  This celebration of life can not be summed up with words alone as she was greater than life in her existence. 

Dorothy leaves the lessons and memories of life she shared through her daughter Dolores Lee,her sister in law Ruth Griffeth, her forever friend Mac Stallings,  her grandson Lewis Lee (Glendys), her great grandchildren Khalia Lee, Miles Lee, Grace Parra and Xavier Lee, her ever so helpful Nephew Lenoris Renwick (Sonja) , Charles Knox Jr. (Ramona) and a multitude of family, friends and loved ones.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dorothy Smith, please visit our floral store.