Dorthalia Lassiter Smith

August 7, 1924 - November 3, 2020

Dorthalia Lassiter Smith was born on August 7, 1924, daughter of the late Russell and Obelia Elizabeth Drew Lassiter in Rich Square, North Carolina. She departed her life on Tuesday, November 3, 2020, at Vidant-Roanoke Chowan Hospital. Dorthalia was the second child of 13. She joined Menola First Baptist Church at an early age, where she attended faithfully until her death. Dorthalia was married for 50 years to her husband, Ernest Lee Smith. To this union, 10 children were born. Dorthalia was an honorable lady of her home. She loved the closeness of her family. She loved to prepare meals for her family. She also loved planting flowers outside her home. She was a humble, patient, and honest woman. Dorthalia was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest Lee Smith; her son, Ernest Andrew Smith; one sister, Naomi Johnson; seven brothers, Deacon Clarence Lassiter, James Lassiter, Russell Lassiter, John Lassiter, Floyd Lassiter, Melvin Lassiter, and Charles Lassiter. Dorthalia leaves to cherish her memories: her children, Faye Andino (Albert) of Fayetteville, North Carolina, Darlene White of Greenbelt, Maryland, Joseph Smith of the home, Alexander Smith (Sandra) of Woodland, North Carolina, Percell Smith (Robin) of Murfreesboro, North Carolina, Clarence Smith (Cindy) of Fayetteville, North Carolina, Carlese Williams (Richard) of St John, North Carolina, Sandra Dempsey (Dale) of Ahoskie, North Carolina, and Gloria Lyday (Roberto) of Waldorf, Maryland; 20 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; four sisters, Mary Vinson and Georgia Lawrence of Woodland, North Carolina, Dr. Genora Shaw and Lucille Murray of Durham, North Carolina; her sister-in-law, Eula Hardy of Woodland, North Carolina; a grandson, Antwon, who she raised as her own; and a special friend who was her caretaker for 19 years, Mrs. Becky Jordan. We thank you for taking care of our precious mother.