Dorothea Lolyd "Thea" Smithers

GREENSBORO Dorothea Lloyd Smithers, 75, passed away June 9, 2017 in Chapel Hill, NC. "Thea" was born June 27, 1941 in Atlantic City, NJ. She was the adopted daughter of the late Theodore and Dorothea Titlow Smithers. She was raised in Ridley Park, PA, a suburb of Philadelphia. Her greatest passion in life was her family and she found the greatest joy in simply being with them. She raised three generations of children, including four children of her own, one granddaughter, and her great-grandson, Dre, whom she also adopted as her own. Outside of her family, she loved to stay in touch with friends, both near and far. Grammy, as she was affectionately known by most, was a caring person and a friend to all. Her warm and magnetic personality endeared all those who met her and left them with a lasting impression. Her small stature belied a hidden strength and never-quit attitude. She was preceded in death by a brother, Theodore Smithers, Jr. Surviving are her children, Suzanne Caffey Tye (Tom), Patricia Caffey, Chris Caffey (Laura) and John Caffey (Jenn), and adopted son, Dre Smithers and great-granddaughter, Alexis. Additionally, she is survived by her grandchildren, Emerson, Josslyn, Christina, Tracey, Aaron, Megan, Leah, step-grandchildren, Michael and Matt, and great-grandson, Grayson. Online condolences may be made at www.forbisanddick.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, 5005 LBJ Freeway, Suite 250, Dallas, TX, 75244 or the American Heart Association, 7029 Albert Pick Road, Suite 200, Greensboro, NC 27409. Found on the first page of her journal was the following quote: "But when tomorrow starts without me, Please try to understand, that an angel came and called my name, and took me by the hand, and said my place was ready, In Heaven far above, And that I'd have to leave behind all those I dearly love." The family plans to have a private celebration of her life. Forbis and Dick North Elm Street Chapel is assisting the Caffey family.