Dorothy P. Smith

Dorothy P. "Dot" Smith, a beloved member of her community, passed away peacefully on April 16, 2025, at her home in Orlando, Florida, at the age of 88. Born on July 30, 1936, in Fuquay Springs, North Carolina, she was the youngest daughter of Oscar D. Puryear and Opie Sue Hart Puryear. The family moved to O'Brien, Florida, when Dot was two years old. She graduated from Branford High School in 1954.
In 1955, Dot married James H. "Jim" Smith of Dixie County, Florida. They initially settled in Gainesville, where Jim was a student at the University of Florida, and they welcomed three children: Edwin, Sue, and Joye. The family later moved to the Orlando area, where they remained, except for a brief period in Beltsville, Maryland, due to Jim's work.
Dot was a devoted stay-at-home wife and mother, dedicating her life to her family and her faith. She was a founding member of the First Baptist Church of Sanlando Springs in 1964 and served in various roles, including WMU member and director, VBS teacher, Sunday School teacher, Mission Friends teacher, and church hostess. Her culinary skills, especially her meatloaf, were cherished by many.
Her passion for missions and teaching preschoolers began at the age of 18, leading her to serve beyond her local church. Dot was active in the WMU in her local Baptist Association and served as the associational WMU director for many years. Her influence extended across Florida as she trained Mission Friends leaders in conferences for the Florida Baptist WMU.
Dot was preceded in death by her husband, Jim Smith, her parents, her sisters Rebecca Fletcher and Phoebe Tiger, her son Edwin Smith, and her granddaughter Laura Joye Harmon. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Sue and Kyle Harmon of West Columbia, SC; her daughter Joye Smith of Birmingham, AL; her grandson Travis Harmon and his wife, Bianca of Lexington, SC; and her beloved nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at The Church of the Springs, 742 Sanlando Road, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714.. Interment will take place at 11:00 a.m. on May 3, 2025, at O'Brien Baptist Church, 9544 E County Rd 349, O'Brien, FL 32071 with visitation at 10:00 a.m. before the service.
Memorials may be made to the WMU Foundation, 100 Missionary Ridge, Birmingham, AL 35242, designated for theDixon Endowment for Mission Friends.