Dorothy Jean Yates Smith's Obituary
Dorothy J. Smith passed away February 11, 2023 in Denison, Texas at the age of 92. She had a peaceful passing with excellent care givers and loving family near her. Dorothy was born on August 14, 1930 in Dallas, Texas to parents Robert Kimborough Yates and Winnie McGhee Yates. She had a short marriage to Charles Cox. She had two children, Gordon Ray Cox and Brenda Jean Cox. Later she married John A. Smith in 1961. They were married until his death in 1999. She is also preceded in death by her parents, her two sisters (Irene and Louise), her two brothers ( Robert and Bill ), and her son Ray. Dorothy had fond memories of her high school days at Mesquite High School as she played on the basketball team that won state championship and competed in a national play off game. She worked her whole life in secretarial positions at Anderson Clayton Foods in downtown Dallas, Dan-Ray Corporation, and Digital Switch Corporation. She finished as the assistant vice-president, assisting the president of the company. People at the DSC company often remarked that it stood for Dorothy Smith Company because she ran the company well. She could always be counted on to get the job done. She traveled extensively, loved bowling, and loved ballroom dancing. Her favorite dance was cha-cha. Dorothy worked hard and was very organized. Those qualities along with her beauty and intelligence gave her much success. Dorothy leaves behind her daughter Brenda and husband Rodger Bateman, and her grandchildren: Amber Bateman Price (husband Charlie), Heather Bateman Peck ( husband Jay), Cody Bateman (wife Sylvia), Gretchen Cox, Melissa Cox Cao (husband Jon), Liz Cox Grari (husband Hassan). She also leaves behind fourteen great-grandchildren.
Dorothy never was a person of faith until the last years of her life. During her time at Celebration Senior Living, a faith based community, she placed her faith and trust in Jesus Christ. She developed a sweetness and had a caring heart for those around her. A deep gratitude is extended to Celebration Senior Living staff and to Hospice Plus for the endearing love and care they extended to Dorothy. They respected her dignity and their best to serve as the Lord desired.
What’s your fondest memory of Dorothy?
What’s a lesson you learned from Dorothy?
Share a story where Dorothy's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Dorothy you’ll never forget.
How did Dorothy make you smile?
