Dot Smith was an amazing woman. She lived through the great depression. She worked state-side while her future husband joined the army, survived the attack on Pearl Harbor and fought the Japanese through the end of World War II. Her greatest challenge, however, was raising Nancy, Debby and me. We pushed her to the very end but her love of family was undeniable. But that?s not all. She impacted many lives through a wide array of activities with her church, her volunteering activities and a large group of friends. In all those activities I?m pretty sure we all witnessed some of the same traits. How many of you experienced Dot?s loving kindness? She gave her time and resources to many causes: Sunday School, United Methodist Women, Wesley Rankin, Church missions, The Schreiber library, and Meals on Wheels. How many of you were subjected to the immovable force known as Dot Smith? She was fiercely independent, a conservative through and through. She lived a Christian life and was quick to notice deviations in others from her ideals. She had opinions on pretty much everything: politics, the Cowboys, immigration policy, our abilities behind the wheel of a car, the state of traffic throughout the metroplex, raising children, hairstyles, and, heaven help us all: manners. Etiquette was a huge deal for her. Emily Post would have been proud. Most of it didn?t rub off on us although we are quick to take offense when elbows are placed on the table. Mom was a proud matriarch and we loved her for it, though much of her advice was precariously stored in the part of the brain that was susceptible to amnesia. How many of you enjoyed her cooking? Her southern twist on otherwise simple recipes were more than comfort food, it was a expression of pure love. She even managed to make canned asparagus delicious. How many of you assisted her in the use of modern technology? In most cases, it was an exercise in futility. She was, however, determined to learn how to take pictures with her non-internet capable flip phone but other technologies were destined to be ignored. Mom lost her high school sweetheart husband in 1991 after 45 years of marriage. She stayed in the house they bought in 1965 keeping it spotless and well-maintained, even taking care of the yard until her lawn mower broke. At that point, unable to care for the yard, she decided to move to Highland Springs just last summer. Her last months were as we had hoped, surrounded by friends and cared for. We thank all who helped make the end of her life love-filled and meaningful. Her son, JB Smith
