He came to the garden alone, while the dew was still on the roses.

On Saturday, February 11, 2023 he left the garden with another precious flower to take back with him, Dorothy Marie Smith.

Marie, the daughter of the late Henry Copeland and Merdle Copeland, was eased into the arms of Jesus on February 11, 2023 in Port St. Lucie, Florida.

Dorothy Marie was born in Arcadia, Florida on July 4, 1932. At an early age Dorothy Marie and her father moved to Charleston, South Carolina where she received her formal education. . As a young adult she and her daughter moved to the Bronx, NY to live with her father and his new wife. She joined the church at an early age, there she met and married Morris Johnson to that union was born a daughter, Patricia Ann Johnson. She relocated to Bronx. She decided to continue her education and went to Millinery School. She was really creative and made beautiful church hats and bridal head pieces.

Dorothy Marie started her work history as a domestic technician.  She pursued her interest in hat making where she was creative in making church hats and bridal head pieces. She was an excellent cook and started her own catering business where she took great pride in food preparations and presentation.  She eventually went on to work at an executive office at JC Penney's in Manhattan, NYC.

Dorothy worked as a domestic technician for a few years. She then went to work in the executive offices at JC Penney in Manhattan, New York. In 1977 she met and married Leonard Smith. She moved with her new husband to Queens, New York. Together they loved to travel, cruise, and host family dinners. Marie's love of cooking and people caused her to start Marie's Catering. She took great pride in all the details of her business and worked for many Broadway actors and actresses. She also taught cooking classes at the YMCA in Manhattan. When Marie and Lenny relocated to Port St. Lucie, Florida, in 1988, she transferred to JC Penney retail at Jensen Beach Mall. Her love of children led her to become a clown and do children's parties. She even dressed up and gave out candy for JC Penney's at Halloween. She volunteered at the Holy family Thrift Shop and mentored children with the Orita group. She continued her catering business after she retired from Penney's until her health started to fail. She then enjoyed spending her days with her daughter, Patricia, her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Marie spent the last year of her life at Tiffany Hall Rehab nursing home. There she enjoyed socializing with the residents and staff. On the night of February 11, 2023 God seen that she was getting weary and called her home to be with him for eternal rest.

A time to morn:

Marie leaves to cherish her memories her devoted loving daughter, Patricia Johnson, her children, Nicleguasha, Agyemang and Naji Fellowes, A sister, Patricia Windham Baker, two nieces, Jacklyn Pauoding, Belinda Smith and a nephew Bryant Baker, Great grandchildren, Zyberious Fellowes, Yemaya and Yelena Fellowes, and Xara Armand. A special caring cousin Shirley Olaleye and her husband Ola Jede of Port St. Lucie, cousin Thelma Davis of Georgia, Mary Ann Wade of Charleston, South Carolina. A special sister, friend, and business partner, Wilhelminda Pierre-Toussaint and a host of relatives and special friends.

She was a devoted Christian and attended Refuse Temple Church in New York City. She joined and attended New Testament Church of God North Christ with Rev. Winston Freckleton which is now All Nations Life Development Center under the leadership of Bishop Cornelius, Blake and Pastor Shelia Blake.

A Message from the family:

I cannot and will not say she is dead. She is just away!  With a cheery smile and a wave of the hand she has wandered into an unknown land.  And left us dreaming how very far it needs to be, since she lingers there, and you-oh you, who yearn for the old-time step and the comforting words. Cheerful laughter, genuine concerned words of Marie. Remember her as the loving, giving person she will ever be. Think of her still in the same way.

We say she is not dead….  She is just away with Jesus.