Dorothy Manson Smith

Dorothy Elizabeth Manson Smith was born on March 30, 1933 in Norlina, Warren County, North Carolina to the late John L and Lillian Perry Manson. She was the eldest of four children. She was also the eldest grandchild of Harry and Leathie Alston Perry and Watt Lee and Nannie Manson. After a short illness, on December 29, 2020 Dorothy peacefully departed this life at her home.

Dorothy was educated in the Warren County school system. She graduated from John R Hawkins High School in 1950. Upon graduation, she moved to Portsmouth, VA with her aunt to find employment. She would return to Norlina to marry her high school sweetheart Wilson while he was home on leave from the Army.

Dorothy accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age, attending both Norlina Baptist church and Cooks Chapel Baptist church. Upon marrying and moving to Washington, DC, she joined John Stewart United Methodist Church-which later merged with East Calvary United Methodist church to form Lincoln Park United Methodist Church. Dorothy was a devoted member until the pandemic and illness prevented her from attending. Dorothy was a founding member of the Young Matrons Usher board (John Stewart), served as worship chairperson, served on Usher board #2 and the senior usher board, member of the United Methodist Women. She served on several committees over the years. One thing that Dorothy really wanted to do was sing in the choir, this activity was discouraged by her immediate family.

On January 21,1952 Dorothy married Wilson Smith Jr. God blessed this union with 68 years of happiness and togetherness along with 2 children. On occasion, when asked why she only have 2 children, she would smile and respond God only makes 2 kinds: boys and girls and I have one of each.

Dorothy retired from the Potomac Electric power Company in 1996 after 27 years of service. She retired as a Systems Clerk. Dorothy has been described as a spiritual, no nonsense colleague and a true friend. Dorothy had a strong work ethic which she has passed on to her children. Before and after her retirement she shared caregiver duties for her mother with her sister (Elmira). After retirement, she operated ”Smith Camp” during the summer for her youngest grandsons. Dorothy enjoyed traveling, family reunions, walking at the mall with the mallwalkers, shopping, in general she liked being around people. Dorothy was an avid basketball fan (she played in high school) she loved Kobe Bryant and Steph Curry. She also liked football, the first player she liked was wide receiver Charley Taylor of the Washington Redskins. Most recently Dorothy became known as Ma BAPP(Ballou Alumni PomPom) among her daughters alumni dance squad. She attended all practices and several performances wearing her blue and gold so she was in uniform. She enjoyed the fellowship and conversations with the young ladies on the squad.

Dorothy was the primary caregiver for her husband until her illness prevented her from doing so.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her 2 sisters: Elmira, John Effie and 1 brother: Leslie Benjamin cousin/sister: Corene Alston

Dorothy leaves to cherish her memories a devoted husband of 68 years Wilson Smith Jr, her children Norvell Al (Beverly) of New Castle, Delaware and Pamela (Anthony-her favorite son-in-law) of Upper Marlboro, Md. 6 Grandchildren: Tyrone (Aleshia) McIntyre, Norvell Smith Jr, Erin Wright, Jyesah (Marcus) Minor, Anthony McKinney and Michael McKinney. 9 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren.

3 aunts: Roberta Smith, K. Irma Green and Brenda Perry 2 nieces: JoAnn Pennix Parker and Aloliva Boykins 1 nephew: Claude Scates Goddaughter: Demetria Morton-Robinson Special daughter: Angela M Riddick Brother /cousin: Bruce Perry Sister/cousin: Dorothy Burgess Special sister/friends: Alberta Humes, Joyce High and Barbara Head along with a host of cousins and friends.