Dorothy Chastain Smith

With a joyful heart our Mother, Dorothy Smith, “Dot”, was embraced by her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Tuesday, October 25, 2023. This had been our Mother’s dream of her lifetime and now  she has received this final blessing. We are so happy for her and though we will miss her, we know that she is reunited with family and friends in our Father’s house.

Born in Athens October 2, 1932  to Nellie Simmons Chastain.  Mother grew up in the Depression. As a child of the Depression she was creative in “making do”  which may have had some effect on her becoming an accomplished singer, a beautiful seamstress and a fabulous china painter. Her skills were excellent and she enjoyed becoming more proficient in every area.

Mother wed our father in 1955. As a young bride she was also a military wife who sometimes happily and others times begrudgingly moved frequently and often with little notice. Her job was to integrate herself and her two young daughters into a new environment and make the best of it. We have fond memories of our Mother fashioning a new outfit from a Vogue pattern  and disguising  her  short hair as  longer  when she added  a curly hairpiece. As a  couple  they were  beautiful  and  handsome; making friends was easier and being  in a strange and new place  was more tolerable.

Mother’s community service was devoted especially to two institutions that meant so much to her. She proudly claimed the title of President of the Salvation Army Auxiliary and was, for over 40 years, a tireless volunteer for the Athens Regional Hospital Red Cross. Mother and our father, Billy, were founding members of Trinity Lutheran Church, she was a member of Beta Sigma Phi, The Sweet Adelines, The Road Runners and a Founding and Organizing member of the Apalachee Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution.

Mother is predeceased by her husband of 53 years, Billy, her granddaughter Claire Marie Corrigan, and sisters, Sue Tolbert, Jean Abrams, Shirley Ann Chastain and Virginia Chastain.  She is survived by her daughters, Lynne (William) Yarbrough and Marie (Vic) Corrigan.  She was blessed with 6 grandchildren: Paul (Jo’elle) Yarbrough, Amy (Matt) Krengel, Caroline (Chris) O’Neal, Louise (Charlie) Loudermilk, Mellie (Paul) Napolitano, Victor 111 (Mary Claire) Corrigan.  Additionally, Mother was so proud of her 7 great grandchildren and her very special nieces, Denise Gorham, Mimi Abrams and Carol Hassel.

Mother, Thank you for all that you have done for us. Most especially for being a devoted  wife and loving mother. We will cherish your memory forever and we look forward to seeing you again. With love, Lynne and Marie

Graveside services will be Sunday, October 29, 2023 at 1:00 PM at Evergreen Memorial Park.

Arrangements by Lord and Stephens, WEST.