Dorothy Smith

Dorothy Mae (Gililland) Smith of OKC and formerly of Harrah celebrated her 90th birthday with Jesus and several family members when she took up residence in her eternal home on Friday, March 12, 2010.

Born on March 12, 1920 to Lonnie and Anna (Hammon) Gililland in Harrah, Oklahoma, Dorothy was the youngest of six children, all who preceded her in death.

Growing up and living in Harrah until she was 19, Dorothy graduated from Harrah High School in 1938. During those years, she enjoyed drama performances, playing basketball and writing for the school newspaper. After graduation, she wed Russell B. (Pete) Smith on March 12, 1939. The Smiths had their only child, Judith Ann in December 1940 before relocating to Spearman, Texas, where Russell managed the local lumber yard. Russell joined the Army in 1942 and was a 2nd lieutenant with the Army Air Corp, working as a Bombardier instructor at Edwards Air Force Base. Dorothy became a widow on April 17, 1944 when he died in a training accident during WW II. Dorothy and her daughter returned to OKC to be in the comfort of family.

Dorothy joined the workforce shortly thereafter as a long distance operator with SW Bell Telephone Co and then after passing the civil service exam, was employed as a Parts Distributor with Tinker Air Force Base for 30 years before retiring in 1982. Dorothy was an active member of Linwood United Methodist Church, where she was a member since 1944. She served on various committees that included Trustees, Library and working on the church newsletter. After her retirement, Dorothy spent her time volunteering for Habitat for Humanity and as a Docent at the National Cowboy Hall of Fame in OKC.

The organization she was most involved with was Gold Star Wives of America, an organization made of widows of servicemen killed in active duty or died as a result of a service-connected accident. She served in numerous roles from president of the local chapter to historian of the national organization. By attending GSW National Conventions, she was able to travel to numerous states, her most favorite being Hawaii.

When she wasn’t busy doing one of her volunteer projects or doing something at church, Dorothy spent her time swimming, skiing, boating and relaxing at Lake Tenkiller in Vian, OK, where she had a cabin for many years. Her other hobbies, besides volunteering, were reading and spending time with her family.

In addition to her parents and siblings -------Beatrice, Betty, Marie, Arthur and Glen, Dorothy is preceded in death by her daughter, Judith {Smith] Green. She is survived by niece, Linda Scudamore of the home; grandson, Jonathan Green of Oklahoma City; granddaughter, Susan (Green) Anderson, spouse, Barry, and great-granddaughter, Lauren, of Yukon; nephew, Paris G. Wilson of OKC and numerous great nieces and nephews.

Viewing will be at Bill Merritt Funeral Home on 39th and Hammond in Bethany, 5-7 p.m., Tuesday, March 16 with the service at Linwood United Methodist Church, N.W. Drexel and 17th St. in OKC, 2 p.m., Wednesday, March 17. Interment will be at Memorial Lane Cemetery in Harrah immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations would be welcomed at the Alzheimer’s Association of Central Oklahoma or Grace Living Center on N.W. 10th St. in OKC. Dorothy’s family would like to thank their extended family at Grace Living Center (her home since 2005) for taking such great care of her.

Arrangements under the direction of Bill Merritt Funeral Service, Bethany, OK.