Dorothy S. Smith

Dr. Dorothy S. Smith peacefully transitioned into eternal rest at home on Saturday, November 7, 2015 surrounded by loved ones. Dorothy Smith was born August 23, 1930 in Norfolk, VA to the late Charles B. and Annie Smith. She was predeceased by her loving husband Brentwood (James) Smith and a son James Woodhouse Smith.

Dorothy attended Norfolk Public Schools and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School. She continued her education at Norfolk State College and Elizabeth City State Teachers College earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. After teaching in the Elementary School with the Chesapeake Public School System for 11 years, she recognized the need to enhance the reading skills of at-risk children. While continuing to teach, she pursued her desire to make a difference in the community earning her Master's degree from Virginia State College in Reading and becoming a Reading Specialist. Dorothy completed her education by earning an Advanced Certificate in Education from Old Dominion University and a PhD from Tabernacle of Lights School of Divinity in Washington, DC.

At an early age, Dorothy worshipped at First Baptist Church-West Munden in Chesapeake, VA. She served as the Minister of Music for over 40 years. She also served as a Minister of Music for many churches throughout the Tidewater area.

Dorothy was fondly know as Dr. Dorothy. She was very dedicated, loyal, dependable, loving, giving and wanted the very best for her family and friends. She was a member of Chesapeake/Virginia Beach Links, Inc., Norfolk Delicados, Inc., Norfolk Chums, Inc., Chesapeake Women's Club, Silver Strands of Chesapeake, and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated.

Left to cherish her memories: Three children - Patricia Coleman of Chesapeake, VA, Donny Smith (LaVerne) of Knoxville, MD, and Michael Smith (Pamela) of Raleigh, NC; Six Grandsons - Kareem Coleman Sr. of Chesapeake, VA, Brian Smith, Virginia Beach, VA, Nathaniel Smith of Knoxville, MD, Aaron Smith of Knoxville, MD, Zachary Smith of College Park, MD and Timothy Smith of Maryland; Six Great Grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, and loving friends. Viewing will begin at 1 pm on Friday November 13, 2015 and a Wake Service will be held from 6-8 pm at Fitchett Funeral Home, Liberty Street.

A Homegoing Service will be held on Saturday November 14, 2015 at 11 am at First Baptist Church-West Munden.

Interment will be in Roosevelt Memorial Gardens, Chesapeake, VA.

Services of Comfort Provided by Fitchett Funeral Home, Liberty Street.

 Service Information