Dorothy Nell Smith was born on January 31, 1934, in Newton, Georgia. She was the youngest of 2 children, following behind her brother, Caesar A. Churchwell.
At a young age, Dorothy moved to Steubenville, Ohio with her family. She became very involved with her church, Second Baptist Church, where she was the head of the youth group for many years. Dorothy loved to lead and formed the first community social group in Steubenville, called the Sorority Socialite Club.
Dorothy attended high school at Steubenville Big Red High and went on to further her education a Steubenville Business College. After college, she took a corporate job in Columbus, Ohio. It was at a party in Columbus where she and her future husband, Jesse Smith, met and fell in love at first sight!
Dorothy wed Jesse Smith in Cleveland Ohio. Through their union they had 2 daughters, Barbara and Eula. The family settled in Vacaville, California, and lived there for 58 years.
Dorothy worked for Travis Air Base for over 20 years where she was the lead computer operator in her division.
Both Jesse and Dorothy had a love for the church. In fact, she and her husband helped build Trinity Baptist Church in Vacaville, and Jesse was instrumental in building the structure of the church. The family served at Trinity for many years before moving on to be one of the founding members of Shiloh Baptist Church, also in Vacaville. Dorothy served at Shiloh Baptist Church for over 44 years. During her time at Shiloh, she was the church secretary for many years and she served on the trustee and usher board.
In addition to being active in her church, Dorothy was a long-term member of the Eastern Stars, an organization that focuses on charity, truth and loving kindness. Dorothy loved to spend time with her family and travel. Family was always first. Every time she traveled, it was to see family or close friends or to enjoy an adventure with her daughters.
Dorothy had a love for cooking! However, she was best known for her amazing sweet potato pies, which made her famous throughout Solano County.
Dorothy is survived by her 2 daughters, Barbara Smith and Eula Smith; her brother Dr. Caesar A. Churchwell; her sister-in-law Ruth E. Churchwell; 2 nieces, Gabrielle and Isis; and 3 nephews, Eric, Jason and Jonathan, in addition to a host of family and friends.
