Dorothy Smith, 89, of DeQuincy. was born Dorothy Elaine Bengtson on July 28, 1933, in New Orleans. to the Rev. W.H. Bengtson and Edna Hake Bengtson. She passed away in her home, surrounded by her loving family on Friday, Aug. 12, 2022. How fitting it was for Dorothy, a retired teacher, to pass away the day the DeQuincy, Calcasieu Parish students were returning to school for the new school year.
She grew up in a parsonage home along with two older brothers, Robert and George Bengtson, and a younger sister, Margery Bengtson Rhodes.
She was a 1951 graduate of Winsboro High School in Winsboro and went on to major in elementary education at what was known at the time as Louisiana Polytechnical College, now known as Louisiana Tech University.
She began her teaching career in 1955 at DeQuincy Elementary School, where she went on to teach fourth grade for 26 years. It was in DeQuincy where she met her loving husband of 62 years, George Smith.
She was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church where she served in various capacities including Sunday School Superintendent.
She was preceded in death by her husband, George Smith; grandson, Matthew Craig; parents, Rev. W. H. Bengtson and Edna Hake Bengtson; two brothers, Robert Bengtson and George Bengtson; and one sister, Margery Bengtson Rhodes.
She is survived by two daughters, Frances Seibert and husband, Richard and Susan Craig and husband, Mark; and two granddaughters, Katie Craig and Emma Craig.
The family received friends from 5-8 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 16, at Riley Smith & Sons Funeral Home in DeQuincy. Funeral Service will be held at 10 a.m., Wednesday, Aug. 17, at the United Methodist Church of DeQuincy. Interment to follow at Perkins Cemetery.
Arrangements are being handled by Riley Smith & Sons Funeral Home, 1810 W. Fourth St., DeQuincy.
(Paid Memorial)
