Dorothy Louise Collins Smith's Obituary
Dorothy Louise Collins Smith, 88, left this world peacefully for her heavenly home on Friday, April 22, 2022. She graduated from Howard High School in 1952. Dorothy went on to further her education at Kirkman Vocational School where she was a part of the first Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) program for colored women. After receiving her formal education, she began her life’s work at Memorial Hospital where she was one of the first African Americans to integrate its nursing staff. She took pride in providing excellent nursing care for 40 years and would often share small gifts from the hospital gift shop to bring a little cheer to her patients. Dorothy was a lifelong member of Mount Paran Missionary Baptist Church, where she was a part of many clubs and committees like the Baptist Training Union (BTU), Red Circle Girls, Fidelity Club, and Healthcare Group. Her absolute joy came from working with Mrs. Mildred Tyous on the decorating committee where they would bring beauty to the church by decorating for holidays, celebrations, and special occasions. Dorothy had a great love for poetry where she would often read them during special church and Sunday School programs. She enjoyed listening to” pretty music” along with gardening and planting beautiful flowers. What was most important to Dorothy was her family. She would gather them together for Sunday meals, Christmas Eve parties, and birthday celebrations. She shared her love of baking, singing, and playing the piano during those special times. Dorothy loved celebrating her birthday, May 6 with family and dear friends. She would always have a slice of cake or something to share with those who would stop by. Dorothy was preceded in death by her fathers, Willie Watt Collins and Willie G. Love; mother, Freddie Mae Collins Love; one brother, Earl Love; five sisters, Thelma Collins Prestwood, Bessie Collins Hedgeman, Erlene Love Hunter, Virginia Love, and Elizabeth Love Rutledge; and one grandson, Tracy L. Jackson. Dorothy is survived by her husband of 67 years, James A. Smith Jr; one son, Ronald (Willa) Smith; two daughters, Karen (William) Patterson and Valerie (Robert) Thomas; six granddaughters, Dr. Pamela Smith-Ligon, Tiffany (Ivan) Gunn, April (Ronald) Sharp, Kristin Patterson, Kimberly Patterson, and Kelly (Mark) Patterson Knowles; one grandson, Ralph K. Freeman II; two sisters, Betty Collins Ramsey and Gloria Love Thirkill; three brothers, Willie Fred Love, Charles (Collene) Love, and Robert Love; one brother-in-law, Hamilton (Sandy) Smith; and two sisters-in-law, Emma Love and Mary Finley; 17 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; and a host of nieces and nephews; dedicated and longtime friends, Mrs. Mary Reynolds, Ms. Gwendolyn Walton, Mrs. Agnes James Busbee, Mrs. Virginia Glass Catching, and Mrs. Bettye Swan. Pastor Michael Bennette will be the eulogist.
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