Dortha Smith

Dortha or Dot for short, was blessed by the Angels the day she was born.

Weighing in at less than 3 pounds with bones so soft they would bend at the touch, she was carried on a pillow and raised on goat's milk until she was strong enough to be handled. Born in 1929, even before incubators were developed for preterm babies, her chances of surviving were very small. But survive she did. She not only survived but she flourished. It is clear that God had a plan for the small little girl with dark curly hair and the nickname of "Doodle Bug" who grew up to be the amazing woman we all knew and loved. She raised 5 children and knew the love of several grandchildren and great grandchildren. She outlived 2 husbands, both of her brothers and many, many close friends. She lived in Midland most of her life and although she spent her last years in San Angelo, and Tawakoni, Midland was always her Home. Today, we bring her back home to be laid to rest beside her husband of 37 years, Howard, and we can all rejoice knowing he has been patiently waiting for her to join him once again and that they will spend eternity together.

Dortha, Mom, Grandma, we love you and we will miss you, but you will always be in our hearts and you will be remembered always.

Do not stand by my grave and weep.

I am not there; I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow.

I am a diamond glint of snow.

I am the sunlight on ripened grain.

I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you awake in the morning hush,

I am the swift, uplifting rush,

Of quiet birds in circling flight.

I am the soft star shine at night.

Do not stand by my grave and cry,

I am not there...I did not die.