Doretta Smith Obituary

JACKSONVILLE – Doretta Frenna Smith, American 20th century artist, known for her impressionist realism watercolors, passed away on July 19, 2012. She was born to Antonio and Antoinetta Frenna in Trieste, Italy, on July 23, 1924. Doretta's higher education in Italy included study at the Magistrale Institute, the Technical Institute of Accounting and the Commercial Institute of Comptometry (a business school). She also studied at the Berliz School of Languages, Enenkel School of Art and Design, The Popolare University and several other academic business schools. She came to Jacksonville in December of 1948, after marrying William Jesse Smith, an American serviceman. She put her work aside for several years to raise eight children.

Doretta taught art classes at Coastal Carolina Community College for five years before turning to painting full time in 1978. She judged art shows and gave lectures as well as workshops. Her awards are numbered in the hundreds for her art work. She has been recognized in many publications including, "Who's Who of America" and "The New Personalities of America".

Doretta was very active in her church and a member of the Catholic Daughters. She also kept in touch with her many Italian friends known as the "Girls from Trieste."

She leaves behind her husband, William J. Smith and eight children; Frank and Nita Smith of Lexington, Ky., George and Brinda Smith of Raleigh, Rose Mary Smith of Jacksonville, Patrick Smith of Jacksonville, Anna and Jonathan Grover of White River Junction, Vt., Edward and Lori Smith of Fuquay-Varina, John and Donna Smith of Angier and Michael Smith and John Naretta of Charlotte. Doretta and Bill were blessed with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday evening at Jones Funeral Home. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, July 23 at her church, Infant of Prague Catholic Church. Burial will be at Coastal Carolina State Veterans Cemetery. Her pallbearers will be her sons. The family wishes to thank Alice Rich, Pansy Mann, Jerry Riznyshok, Michelle Quigley, Joyce Owel and the staff of Premier Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for their love, thoughtfulness and concern.

Electronic condolences may be left at jonesfh.org

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Jacksonville Daily News from Jul. 20 to Jul. 23, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Doretta Smith

9 Entries

Cindy Ream

July 27, 2012

I am sadden to learn of her passing. I learned so much from her during the years I lived in Jacksonville. May Time ease the pain that her loved ones are feeling. Just remember she was loved by so many !!!

July 27, 2012

Rest in peace...

Thomas Capps

July 23, 2012

In lovng memory of Doretta Smith, a long-time friend of the Capps family. May you rest in peace. Prayers for your family in your time of grief. May the Lord comfort each of you. We know you have suffered a great loss and will miss her greatly. My parents (Earl and Marie Capps of Sneads Ferry) were close friends of your Mother before their deaths. We haven't seen Doretta in many years, but remember her well. God bless each of you. Thomas and Brenda Capps

July 22, 2012

Doretta was a dear friend of my parents, Earl & Marie Capps, they are deceased. She was a dear friend of ours, so often when we would go to Jacksonville from Wallace, we would stop for a short visit. Rose & I had the same birthday month & day, June the 7th. She was so special. My heart goes out to you ALL, also you will be in our prayers. The boys were special too, although after I married in 1961 and moved to Wallace, we still stayed in touch with your parents, they were so special to us, will see you soon. love Linwood & Carol Capps Carter.
[email protected]

Donna and Bill Upton

July 22, 2012

Eddie and Lori and the entire Smith family, our thoughts and prayers are with each of you. We are here for should you need anything.

Virginia Baysden

July 22, 2012

Doretta, you will be so missed. It was such a pleasure to have known you. My sympathy to your family and friends.

July 21, 2012

A loving woman I often visited. You touched many lives with your beautiful smile. You will be missed by all that knew you.

Vivian Ellison

July 20, 2012

Doretta, a wonderful woman! Loved her husband and children. Even though she accomplished many extraordinary things during her life, all she bragged about was her family. Always radiant, with a flower in her hair, never complained. Loved the Lord and His beautiful creation. I feel blessed to have known her and will miss her very much! My prayers are with her family.

Angela Michelli

July 20, 2012

I was thinking of Doretta just the other day. I went to visit her before we moved 2 1/2 years ago. She was one of the nicest people I'll ever know. We would sit a few rows behind her in church. I treasure the picture she did of our house in Jacksonville. It's the first thing you see when you come into our house now. Love and prayers to her family. We know she is in the palm of our Lord's hand.

Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results