Dorothy Elizabeth Smart

Ms. Dorothy Elizabeth Smart was born on July 15, 1933, in Miller County, Georgia, to Mr. Mac Smart and Mrs. Lottie Barber Smart (Peterson).  She transitioned from this life on October 29, 2023, in Sarasota, Florida, with her family by her side.  She was preceded in death by five siblings:  Robert Lee Smart, Rebecca Cook (Smart), Edward Smart, James Smart, and Albert Smart.

Dorothy was a beautiful woman and lived a beautiful dignified life.  She loved teaching, traveling, gardening and cooking.

Dorothy earned her Bachelor of Elementary Education degree from Albany State University in 1956. During her matriculation at Albany State University, she successfully pledged and became a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) Sorority.

Dorothy was a devoted school teacher in Atlanta, Georgia, for the Fulton County Board of Education for thirty-plus years.  She taught third and fourth grade students. Her students’ learning, needs and concerns were always first with her. Upon her retirement, she became a member of the Georgia Retired Educators Association.

After moving to Atlanta, Georgia, Dorothy joined the West Hunter Street Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Ralph David Abernathy.  She was an active member of the following ministries: Juanita Jones Abernathy Missionary Circle, where she was Chairperson of the Courtesy Committee, and Alice Ogletree Missionary Circle; was a faithful member of the Birth Month Council; and served as President of the July Birth Month Club. Dorothy was recipient of the “Unsung Heroine Award”, which is given to women who have demonstrated support of the church ministries and given their time and spiritual talents for the growth of the West Hunter Church Family.   Dorothy was very creative and talented with preparing the church bulletin boards for special days and worked on several committees where she supported the expansion of Christian fellowship through a variety of church and community events. She remained a faithful and dependable member until being relocated to Sarasota, Florida. Her presence and involvement will be dearly missed by the West Hunter Street Baptist Church Family.

Dorothy leaves to cherish her precious memories a devoted son, Mr. Michael E. Smart of Sarasota, FL; a loving daughter-in-law, Mrs. Brenda V. Smart of Sarasota, FL; two loving grandsons, Mr. Michael A. Smart of Bonaire, GA, and Mr. Sean A. Smart of Sarasota, FL; two great granddaughters, Arielle R. Smart and Aliyah R. Smart, both of Sarasota, FL; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

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