Carolyn J. (Smith) Dorothy

Carolyn J. (Smith) Dorothy, 91, of Mt. Pleasant, died Sunday, March 10, 2024 at Arbor Court in Mt. Pleasant.

            Carolyn was born February 19, 1933 in Fairfield, IA. She was the daughter of Robert W. and Nellie (Hendricks) Smith. She grew up in Birmingham and attended Birmingham schools. Carolyn was united in marriage to Vern E. Dorothy on June 5, 1949 at her residence in Birmingham. Uniquely, she continued her education at Birmingham High School where she was an excellent basketball player. She graduated from Birmingham High School in 1951.

            For many years, Carolyn was the receptionist for Dr. Don Jensen, an optometrist in Fairfield. She then became the secretary at the First Presbyterian Church in Fairfield. While her children were in the Van Buren schools, she was the secretary for the Jr. High in Stockport and then in Birmingham.

            In the early 1990’s , Vern and Carolyn sold their farm and moved to Mt. Pleasant. For nearly 30 years, Carolyn was a funeral associate and visitation hostess for the Weir Funeral Home, later the Kimzey Funeral Home. Carolyn was a tireless worker in retirement. She was the Volunteer Coordinator for the former Hospice of Central Iowa, a cook for the former Sunnybrook Assisted Living, and a receptionist and sales associate for Whitney Monuments.

            Carolyn was a member of the Calvary Baptist Church, the Mt. Pleasant Women’s Club and the American Legion Auxiliary. Food was an integral part of Carolyn’s life. She baked and decorated cakes for all occasions, most especially weddings. Nearly every Sunday after church, as well as many weekdays, Carolyn prepared meals. Over the years, Carolyn cooked for an untold number of guests. She often hosted the missionaries who visited her church. At church, she was known by the children as they sought her out for the suckers she gave to them. She volunteered to pop popcorn at the Women’s Club booth at Midwest Old Threshers. Also at Old Threshers, she and her husband Vern worked the Carousel.

            Those thankful for sharing in Carolyn’s life include her husband of 74 years, Vern of Mt. Pleasant; 2 children – Joy (Brian) Messer of Fairfield and R.V. (Debra Bislip) Dorothy of Yuma, Colorado and Aruba; a brother – Bobbie (Janet) Smith of Birmingham; 4 grandchildren – Jason (Tasha), Jodi, Chad (Stacy) and Shelby; 10 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren.

            Her parents precede her in death.

            A funeral service for Carolyn will be held at 11 AM on Friday, March 15 at the Calvary Baptist Church, 801 E. Mapleleaf Drive, Mt. Pleasant. Pastor Zach Fischer will officiate. Burial will be in the Maple Hill Cemetery, Birmingham. Friends may call after 12 Noon on Thursday, March 14 at the Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 N. Main Street, Mt. Pleasant. The family will be present to receive friends from 4-6 PM on Thursday.

            Those considering an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to the family for a decision to be made later. Online condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com

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