Dorothy Jeanette Howard-Smiley
Sunrise November 4, 1948 – Sunset August 21, 2023
The life of Dorothy Jeanette Howard-Smiley was filled with love for the Lord and a love for family. Born November 4, 1948. The fierce second child of ST and Ruby Ross was always a fighter.
Dorothy was one of the first black graduates of the Emma Sampson high school of Gadsden, Alabama. This was the school she integrated escorted by the US Marshalls and FBI. She later moved to Detroit Michigan where she received her nursing degree and worked for the Veteran hospital where she retired after 34 years of service. After retirement when she became ill Earl Smiley became her dedicated driver and caretaker.
Dorothy was a faithful member of Pine Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Detroit where she served on the usher board. Her greatest works were her children Valerie and Kevin. She lived so that they could have a better life.
Dorothy moved to Columbus Ohio in 2016. She joined Maynard Ave Baptist Church shortly thereafter. She was cared for by her dear sister Betty, a host of caring physicians, and the Minerva Park Davita Dialysis team. She worked her dialysis like it was a job and was a 15-year survivor. She learned to plan her life around it and still expected to go on vacation at least once per year.
Dorothy is predeceased by her parents ST and Ruby Ross and siblings Billy Ross, Charles Ross, and Mildred Ross Knight.
Dorothy leaves to cherish her memory, children, Valerie (Charles) Bell and Kevin (Deb) Howard; grandchildren, Anthony (Lanise), Shaakira, Vaughndae, Charles, Breanna, Iyanna, and Brittany; great-grandchildren, Olivia, Davonte, Carter, Camryn, and Davon; siblings, Betty (Donald), Janice, Felita (Raymond), and Willie (Caroline); special friends, Lula Thurman and Earl Smiley; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends.
Visitation 10:00am and Funeral 11:00am Monday, August 28, 2023 at Maynard Ave Baptist Church, 2210 Lexington Ave.
Interment at Glen Rest Memorial Estates
Please Click Here To View Program
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Sending all the prayers to the family and all the love the battle is not yours it’s the Lord’s ,,,I love you family
There is a well deserved reward awaiting Mrs. Howard-Smiley in heaven. It is The prayer of A Fuqua/ R Wadley that peace follow her through eternity.
Kevin,
Your mother was a remarkable woman who exuded warmth, kindness, and love. She undoubtedly touched the lives of those around her, and her absence will be deeply felt by all who had the privilege of knowing her. I am here if you need me.
Love you,
Jason
Sorry for your lost my prayers for you and your family
I’m sorry for your loss. Sending pray and love to the family.
Sending ❤️ my condolences heart and prayers to you and your family in the loss of your mom may God continue to give you all strength and comfort in your time of need love you Mrs Howard
My condolences heart and prayers goes out to you and your family in your loss of your dear mother may God continue to comfort you all and give you strength in your time of need love ❤️ you all
So sorry for your loss. Thinking of you all at this time. Keeping you all lifted up in prayer . Love you!
THE CURRY FAMILY EXTEND PRAYERS AND SUPPORT TO THE HOWARD SMILY FAMILY LOVE YOU VALERIE AND KEVIN ONCE AGAIN A BEAUTIFUL ANGEL HAS ENTER THE GATES OF HEAVEN WITH A HEART OF GOLD…
May God cover you and your family with strength and love at this time.
There are special moments and memories that are yours alone, and yet many share in your loss and care deeply about your sorrow.
With Our Deepest Sympathy for your loss Sabrina Boone & Family
Dear Family,
We weep with you in the loss of your Sister, Mother, Grandmother, Love one!
It was such a blessing to have known such a gentle soul. May her loving spirit live within you. She was so Blessed to have a loving and caring family,
With Love and prayers your Sister and Brother in Christ Poodie and Buddy
Our Deepest Thoughts are with the Family.
Although the sun goes down each night and leaves a darkened shore, it rises on another land to spread its light once more. So we can be as certain now, though loved ones leave our sight, they pass into a world within God’s light. May the love of God sustain you and His perfect peace comfort you at this time. Let God’s deep love and understanding help you in your grief. For He is there to ease your pain and bring your heart relief.
Praying for the family as the LORD bless you and keep you.