Dorothy J. Howard-Smiley

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