Dora Jean Smith

Dora Jean was born Dora Jean Pereira on November 25, 1926, in Oakland, California, and was immediately adopted by

Isadora Crocket Pereira, a widow who poured her whole heart into her only child at their home on 1616 Essex Street in Los

Angeles. At 20th Street Grammar School, she met a neighborhood boy named James Hillard Smith, who lived on 46th Street

with his mother, Cora Lee, and his brother, Charles. They became the best of friends, never imagining that a schoolyard

friendship would one day become a lifelong love story.

Her world changed in 1941, when her beloved mother passed away. Dora Jean was only 15. After a brief stay in Florida with

family friend Burnice J. Wing, she returned to Los Angeles as a ward of the state, attended the El Retiro School for Girls in

San Fernando, and in 1943 was placed in the care of family friend Martha Martindale. Through it all, she held on to a quiet

strength that would carry her through life.

Back in the old neighborhood, Dora Jean and James found each other again, and the friendship that began in grammar school

blossomed into a deep and lasting love. Then James was drafted into the service, but his heart never left Los Angeles. When he

came home on furlough, he didn’t waste a moment: on January 9, 1945, just weeks after her 18th birthday, he and Dora Jean

were married. It was the beginning of 81 years built on friendship, trust, and devotion. In time they were blessed with a son,

James Jr., whom everyone lovingly called Jimmy.

Having no biological family of her own, Dora Jean embraced James’s family as hers in every sense. When James discovered his

biological father was William Lynch, the family grew to include Gerald, Vertee, Bennie Elizabeth (“Biggie”), and Billie Irene

(“Weenie”). She adored her sisters, gained another in Gerald’s wife, Geraldine, and was welcomed as a niece by Aunt Jessie

Mae Fields. Together they loved travel, jazz, and any reason to throw a party. The girl who once had no family ended up

surrounded by one.

In 1951, Dora Jean began a proud 32-year career as a court reporter with the County of Los Angeles, earning many accolades

along the way. When she filled in for a Superior Court judge’s reporter, the judge was so impressed that he personally

requested her as his court-appointed reporter. She retired on March 30, 1983.

In the mid-1950s, Dora Jean and James moved to Pacoima to raise Jimmy, making a home there for some 30 years. In 1985,

they began a new chapter in Simi Valley, where they lived for more than 40 years. Faith anchored her life: she was a devoted

member of Parks Chapel AME Church, and on many Sundays she took her place beside James in the pew at Mt. Zion Baptist

Church, a simple act of love that said everything about their partnership. Once they settled in Simi Valley, they also attended

Simi Valley Second Missionary Baptist Church.

Dora Jean knew sorrow, too. They lost Cora Lee on July 9, 1972, and in 1988 she and James endured the heartbreak of losing

Jimmy at only 43. Through that grief, they held tightly to their faith and to each other, and they never let go.

Smart, no-nonsense, and full of love and laughter, Dora Jean loved without holding back and made everyone feel at home. For

81 years, through new homes and new chapters, celebrations and sorrow, she and James chose each other every single day.

Their love began on the streets of a Los Angeles neighborhood and grew into a lifetime together. James remained the love of

her life to her very last day, and she was his. At 101, he carries that love forward, along with the memory of the girl from

grammar school who became his whole world.

Dora Jean Smith passed away peacefully on Monday, September 28, 2026, in the Simi Valley home she shared with her

beloved James. She was 99, just shy of her 100th birthday, and she left this world the way she lived in it: surrounded by love.

Dora Jean is survived by her devoted husband of 81 years, James; her sister-in-law, Geraldine; her goddaughter; a host of

nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends; and her loving caretakers. She was preceded in death by her mother, Isadora

Crocket Pereira; her son, Jimmy; her mother-in-law, Cora Lee Smith; her aunt, Jessie Mae Fields; and her brothers- and

sisters-in-law Charles, Gerald, Vertee, Bennie Elizabeth (“Biggie”), and Billie Irene (“Weenie”).

Visitation will be held at Eternal Valley Memorial Park Mortuary, 23287 North Sierra Hwy, Newhall, CA 91321, US, on October 19, 2026, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm.

A Funeral Service will take place at Eternal Valley Memorial Park Mortuary, 23287 North Sierra Hwy, Newhall, CA 91321, US, on October 19, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm.

A Committal Service will follow at Eternal Valley Memorial Park Mortuary, 23287 North Sierra Hwy, Newhall, CA 91321, US, on October 19, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm.

A Reception will be held at Eternal Valley Memorial Park Mortuary, 23287 North Sierra Hwy, Newhall, CA 91321, US, on October 19, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

The family of Dora Jean Smith wishes to express our deepest gratitude for the overwhelming

love and support we have received during this difficult time. Your kind words, your

thoughtfulness, and your many acts of kindness have given us strength and comfort as we

grieve.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to each of you, family and friends, for being here today for

this Celebration of Life. Your presence is a beautiful tribute to an extraordinary woman who

meant so much to all who knew and loved her. Dora Jean filled our lives with love and

laughter, and seeing so many of you here reminds us of how many lives she touched.

We are also grateful for your prayers, calls, text messages, cards, flowers, and visits during this

time of bereavement. Every gesture, large or small, has lifted our hearts. To her loving

caretakers, thank you for the tender care and compassion you gave her in her final years.

With sincere appreciation, we will always remember your kindness and support. May God

bless each of you, as you have so richly blessed our family.

With love and gratitude,

The Family of Dora Jean Smith