Dorothy "Dot" Smiley

Dorothy Mae Smiley was one of three children born to Renny and Myrtle Sanchez. She was born October 28, 1944 in Maurepas, Louisiana.

She was a graduate of Maurepas High School, graduating class of 1961. Following high school she studied cosmetology, then beginning her career as a beautician.

She loved swamp-pop and dancing, it was by chance she would meet her husband to-be and lifelong best friend while attending a dance at Moonlight Inn. Together they would welcome two children, Glenda and John.

She will best be remembered for her dedication to her faith and family. In her younger years, the family enjoyed frequent camping and fishing trips to Toledo Bend, Butte La Rose, Grande Isle, and in Maurepas. She loved the feast that God provided from the family trips; a good crab or shrimp boil or fish-fried to perfection paired with hush puppies.

Her hobbies included oil painting-clouds and flowers were her specialty- because there was beauty in their imperfections. Upon retirement she moved to Lake Charles to be closer to her children.  She was overjoyed when her grandchildren were born, “Dot” as she came to be known by, loved nothing more than spoiling them twice over. QVC & infomercials supplied her creativity to find the perfect gift for each birthday or holiday. Especially Easter-she referred to it as Resurrection Day-celebrating Jesus returning was important to her. She was a member of Glad Tidings Church, where she also volunteered in the church food pantry; “The Dorcas Room”.

She was welcomed into Heaven on Tuesday, April 12, 2022 by her parents, Renny and Myrtle Sanchez; a sister, Betty Dupuy; and a brother, Charles Sanchez.

Those left to cherish her memory; her husband, James Smiley; children; Glenda (Ericka) O’Bryant and John Smiley; grandchildren, Thomas (Mallory) O’Bryant, Joli (Andrew) Douglas, Julia (Devlyn) Davis, Johncollin (Savannah) Smiley; great grandchildren, Aleah, Malachi, Aaron, Evelyn, and honorary great grandchildren, Brycen, Jacie, Hunter, Payten, Taysom, Tucker; God-child, Roxanne LeBlanc; and her mother in-law, Carrie Smiley.

Cremation has been entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home. Family will welcome friends Thursday, April 14, 2022 at Johnson Funeral Home beginning at 12:30 until time of service. Memorial services led by Pastor Gary Evers will begin at 2pm.