Dorothy E. Smith, age 87, of Tecumseh, MI, died on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 2025 at her home, under the care of Hospice of Lenawee, and with her family at her side. She was born on June 22, 1938, in Pennsylvania, the daughter of the late S. Robert and Florence E. (Morehead) Wheeler. In June of 1965, she was married to the late Donald H. Smith.
Although she was born in Pennsylvania, Dorothy grew up in Virginia, where her family roots were long established. She followed her grandmother’s footsteps to Longwood University, before transferring to University of Virginia, from which she graduated. She was a member of the Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority and the Kappa Delta Pi Honorary Fraternity.
Dorothy had many interests, one of which was traveling; and she and Don were able to see many places around the world. A Master Gardener, she liked nothing better than digging in the soil and watching things grow. Her primary passion however was books. An avid, lifelong reader, Dorothy spent many happy hours with her books. She considered the Tecumseh District Library her second home. She is forever grateful for the kindness of the library staff who kept her well supplied with reading materials and the many friends she made there. Her overriding motto for life was that “the simple pleasures in life are always the best and bring us much joy”.
Dorothy is survived by her loving daughter, Julia E. Smith; her granddaughters, Adrianna E. Ortega-Smith and Anastasia M. Smith, who were her superb caregivers in the final days of her life. She is also survived by much loved grandchildren, Jan-Michael, Zachary, Azania and Nachlie, her daughter-in-law, Amanda Smith, and her best friend, Carolyn Vertin, her “sister with another mother”; special friends, Jan Moore and Carole McConnell.
In addition to her husband, Don, Dorothy was preceded in death by her beloved son Harris Smith.
Cremation has taken place and per Dorothy’s wishes there are no scheduled services. Inurnment will take place at Brookside Cemetery Columbarium at a later date.