Dorothy Jean Wright Smith was born and raised outside Dothan, Alabama on June 16, 1932, and passed away on December 22, 2021, at Orchard View Nursing Facility in Columbus, Georgia, after a long illness.  Her parents were Shelly Wright and Ollie Anderson Wright.

Dorothy was married to Maxwell Smith for 66 years.  They moved to Columbus, Georgia from Dothan, Alabama in 1953.

Dorothy is preceded in death by husband, Maxwell Smith, mother, father and four siblings.

Survivors include: her son, Dan Smith (Cathy) of Columbus. Georgia; grandchildren, Nathan Smith of Asheville, North Carolina, and Allie Johnson of New York City, New York; brother, Charles Linwood Wright (Mary) of Dothan, Alabama, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mama Dot, as she was known to many, was a homemaker and seamstress all her adult life. She worked from home, doing alterations and making clothes for her family and others. She was known as a perfectionist in her craft and was sought after by countless customers. She finally had to stop sewing when her health declined in her late seventies. In addition to crafting clothes with her hands, she was also an avid writer of poetry. She wrote several volumes over the years, often dedicating them to friends. Included here is a portion of a poem she wrote in 1984, in memory of her mother's death. Entitled, "The Rose in Our Garden," it is certainly fitting for Dot as well.

"The Rose in Our Garden"

God planted her in our family garden

To teach us his love and might.

She gave herself to each of us

And taught us what is right.

…

At times I see her smile

And hear her laughter too.

I sense her love around me

Just like she used to do.

Though we miss her very much

Her presence is very real.

Our sweet rose she'll always be;

Her love is with us still.

Dot and her family were actively involved in church all her life. Her faith in Jesus Christ was deeply heartfelt, and it had a tremendous influence on her daily life. Her faith sustained her in difficult times, and it gave increased joy to everyday life as well. She was a diligent Sunday School teacher to young teenagers at Edgewood Baptist Church for many years. When she and her husband Maxwell moved to Fairview Baptist Church, she became the teacher for the "Old Ladies' Class," as they loved to call themselves. She served in this role until she finally had to stay home due to Maxwell's failing health. When she moved to live with her son's family after Maxwell's death, she joined the Lumpkin United Methodist Church, where her son is pastor. She was warmly received and felt right at home. She loved her new friends.

Above all, Dot was an excellent wife, mother, and grandmother. She loved her husband deeply, and together they made a warm home that was built around love and faith. Her selfless love for her husband and son was an inspiration and encouragement to them both over the years. She extended that love to her grandson, Nathan, and was a second mother to him as well. She loved her daughter-in-law, Cathy, as her own daughter; and her granddaughter, Allie, brought her many smiles and laughs. She loved them all dearly. Among her nieces and nephews in Dothan, she was a favorite, and everyone was thrilled when Mama Dot came for a visit. Besides her warmth and affection, she was known as a great cook, specializing in fried corn bread and seven-layer chocolate cakes.

Dot will be missed by all who knew her. But she has finally won the victory over the dementia that robbed her of much joy in her later years, and over other physical illnesses as well. She is now in God's presence, healthy, pain free, and at peace, as she is reunited with her husband, parents, and other family.

A Graveside Service will be held on December 28, 2021 at 11:00 AM, at Parkhill Cemetery in Columbus, Georgia, with visitation with the family after the service.  In lieu of flowers, donations to: Lumpkin United Methodist Church, P. O. Box 394, Richland, GA 31825

Please visit our web site at www.baldwinfuneralhome.com to sign the guest book. Baldwin Funeral Home, 50 Charles Overby Dr.,  P O Box 394, Richland, GA 31825, was in charge of all arrangements. 229-887-2750