Dothea Elizabeth Hardy Smith, 74, a native and lifelong resident of Palatka, was born on Sunday, September 3, 1939. At the age of 9, Dothea accepted Christ as her Saviour and was baptized at Mount Tabor First Baptist Church. She served her Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ faithfully as a lifelong member of Mount Tabor. She was educated in the Putnam County School District and was an honor graduate of Central Academy High School, class of 1956. She continued her pursuit of higher education, earning a B.S. degree in Elementary Education, Bethune-Cookman College, Daytona Beach; M.A. degree in Elementary Education, Columbia University Teachers College, NYC; Certification in Administration and Supervision, University of North Florida, Jacksonville and Barry University, Miami. On April 24, 1965, she was united in holy matrimony to Johnny D. Smith, Jr., and they became the proud parents of a daughter, Angelita and son, Marco. Mrs. Smith was an inspiring and dedicated classroom teacher for 19 years at James A. Long Elementary School and Mellon Elementary School. She advanced administratively to become Putnam School District's Primary Specialist and subsequently, Director of Elementary Education for 15 years. She committed a cumulative total of 42 years of meritorious service in local education, including 8 years as an elected School Board Member. Her lifetime calling reached far beyond the realm of the local community, she lived a "non-stop" lifestyle, tackling any and every task that confronted her with ultimate professionalism. Over the years, she served in numerous ministries at her "Beloved Mount Tabor," serving as a Church Trustee prior to being employed as the Church's Administrator. She was associated with every active ministry of the church, especially Stewardship, Women's Ministry, Adult Choir Ministry, Youth & Senior Ministries, Church School, Food Service, Prayer Meeting and Bible Study Teacher. "Sister Smith" was practically a missionary who helped many other pastors, churches and anyone she could from the least fortunate to the wealthiest. She was affiliated as an officer or member of countless community organizations, especially St. Johns-Putnam-Flagler County Chapter of Charmettes, Inc., (Past National Vice-President, National Executive Director, Chaplain and Past Chapter President); Chi Delta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Palm Coast; Pilot Club of Palatka; Women's Educational, Social, Civic, and Arts Club (WESCA); Associate Trustee, Bethune-Cookman University (B-CU); B-CU Palatka Boosters; B-CU Alumni Association; Putnam County African-American Cultural Arts Council (Past President); National Education Association, National Reading Association, NAACP, Putnam County Teachers Credit Union; Putnam State Bank; Southern Association of College and Schools; Arts Council of Palatka, etc. She was also a consultant and facilitator for cultural diversity, weddings, parental and youth development, educational and pre-collegiate programs. She was a public speaker, Notary Public, and the first Sub-Registrar of Vital Statistics at Flagg-Serenity Memorial Chapel. She was preceded in eternal rest by her parents, Lillian Lockhart Hardy Brown, Charles Hardy, and Willie Mae Wiggs; father-in-law and mother in law, Johnnie D. Smith, Sr., and Ruth Hampton Smith; sister in law, Maggie Ruth Davis; brother in law, Charles Green, and a host of aunts and uncles. Dothea transitioned from her earthly home to spend eternity with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, November 23, 2013 at the UF Health Jacksonville Hospital. She was the devoted wife of 48 years to Johnny D. Smith, Jr., Palatka; loving mother of Angelita (Reno) Fells, San Mateo and Marco (Thura) Smith, East Palatka; and proud grandmother of Marco L. Smith II, Remahn C. Fells, Macari L. Smith, Justin E. Fells; loyal sister of Kip (David) Calhoun, Palatka; sister in law of Sally Green, Miami; compassionate niece of Al (Sue) Wiggs, Las Vegas, NV and to cherish her life and legacy includes a host of godchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family especially the Fells family, other caring relatives, compassionate church family, and loyal friends. Flowers are gratefully accepted, however, in lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Johns-Putnam-Flagler County Chapter of Charmettes,Inc., Mount Tabor First Baptist Church, or the charity of your choice in Dothea Smith's memory. Visitation of family and friends will be at the church on Friday, November 29, from 3 - 7 p.m. Homegoing Celebration will be 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 30, at Mount Tabor First Baptist Church, 4909 St. Johns Avenue, Palatka. Reverend Karl N. Flagg, Pastor, is the Eulogist. Interment will be in Oak Hill West Cemetery, Palatka.