Dora Smith

105 years ago, Dora Carney Smith was born on a farm near St. Francisville, Louisiana on July 1911, to the union of Paris and Julia Crawford of St. Francisville, Louisiana. At an early age, Dora accepted Christ and was baptized at Rosedown Baptist Church of St. Francisville, Louisiana. She attended the local schools of West Feliciana Parish and completed eight years at the top of her class. As a young child she worked in the fields alongside her mother” picking cotton.” In 1931 at the age of 18 years, she moved to New Orleans to find work. She found a family that hired and housed her. It was here in New Orleans that she met Jimmie Smith from Morehouse Parish .They were married in City Hall by The Justice of the Peace on December 16, 1931. Seven children were born to this union: Herbert,Jimmie,Jr Preston, Theodore, Rosemarie, Mary, and Lorraine. Dora visited many churches in the city, but decided to place her membership in Pure Light Baptist Church under the pastorate of the late Reverend Arthur Monday,Jr . For 40 years plus Dora served on the Deaconess Board as the Secretary. She was also a member of The Eastern Stars of New Orleans for many years. In 1983 Dora moved her membership to First Thessalonians in the Lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans pastored by the late Reverend Edmond G. Prevost,Sr.(son-in-law) She continued to serve as a Deaconess. In 2005 Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans and she was forced to relocate. She moved to Richmond, Texas with her family. For the past two years Dora received special recognition as one of Richmond, Texas Centenarians. A special recognition from President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama was also received citing a life well spent. Many awards from Mayors, Governors, and State Representatives were also received. Truly, Dora lived the life she talked about. “If I can help somebody as I pass along, my living won”t be in vain.” On Friday, October 21, 2016 at 9:00AM, Dora departed this life surrounded by family. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Rosemarie, two sons Herbert and Jimmie , four sisters, four brothers, one grandson and two great grandsons. She is survived by her two sons ,Preston Smith ,Sr.(Shirley), of Spring,Texas , Theodore Smith(Fayne),of Duluth Georgia ,daughters, Mary Williams(Joseph), Reno, Nevada, Lorraine Prevost (Rev. Edmond) Richmond, Texas and Venetia Carter ,daughter- in- law,17 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren, nine great-great grandchildren.and a host of nieces ,nephews and cousins. Rest in peace, Dora. You fought a good fight and the battle has been won! Relatives and friends are invited to attend a funeral service at 11:00 AM on Saturday, October 29, 2016 at Rhodes Chapel, 3933 Washington Ave. Visitation will be from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM. Interment: Resthaven Cemetery.