GAP MILLS WV --- Dorothy Margaret Smith, age 99, of Gap Mills, WV passed away peacefully on Friday, February 21, 2020 at Pine Lodge Nursing Home in Beckley, WV, where she had resided for the past five years, with Roger and Patricia Johnson and her numerous caregivers by her side.
Born March 7, 1920 in Gap Mills, WV, Dorothy was the daughter of the late Earl and Zella Crosier Smith. She had an eighth grade education, but if you would talk to her you would think she was a college professor. She was knowledgeable on everything from raising cattle and sheep, to wildlife, and political topics. She grew up on a farm. Dorothy and her family raised all sorts of fruits and vegetables ranging from strawberry patches to pear trees. They grew just about everything at one point or another. They even sold strawberries to the Greenbrier. As a young adult Dorothy's family started a country/gospel band. They played many places around Southern West Virginia, including Carnegie Hall in Lewisburg. They also played live on radio stations for many years. Dorothy was a lover of all animals and a rescuer of dogs and cats. Up to her late eighties, she would walk four miles both ways at least three to five days a week to feed animals and count cattle. In her late eighties Dorothy would go into a barn loft and throw out square bales of hay. She also worked every election poll from eighteen years of age until she went into the nursing home at age ninety-five. Dorothy always said her first word was "cow" and her favorite hobby was farming. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by a brother, Alvin Earl Smith. Survivors include her special friends of thirty-six years, Roger and Patricia Johnson of Daniels and Zenith, WV, who she considered her family. Graveside services will be held 2:00 PM Sunday, February 23, 2020 at the Carmel Cemetery in Gap Mills, WV, with Pastor Andy Beiler officiating. Those wishing to attend the service are asked to meet at the cemetery by 2:00 PM. The family would like to thank Pine Lodge staff for their excellent care. Special thanks to an awesome caregiver, Cendra Seigler. Dorothy was always thankful for friends Andy and Lorie Beiler for their farm help with the cattle. Dorothy was anxiously awaiting her 100th birthday, which now she will get to celebrate in heaven. Those wishing to send online condolences or sign the online guestbook may do so by visiting groves-mann.com. Arrangements by Groves-Mann Funeral Home, Union, WV.