Dollie Hughes Smith

Dollie Hughes Smith, age 96, of Water Valley, MS departed this life Monday, July 31, 2023 at her home in Water Valley, MS. She was born April 15, 1927, in Water Valley, MS to the late Albert and Cola (Lindsey) Hughes.

One of fifteen children, Dollie understood the hardships and responsibilities of growing up in a large family, especially during the eras of the depression and World War 2. Even though she was small in stature, those lessons served to shape her life to become the feisty and strong-willed person she would grow to be. After graduating from Camp Ground High School, Dollie would go on to marry Lynn Smith in 1947 and begin their family. In 1954, the family moved to Livingston, AL where Lynn was a professor at Livingston State Teachers College. Later, while raising her family, Dollie would enroll in Livingston University and complete a Masters in Education. She took her new found knowledge and began working in the Sumter County School system teaching English, physical education and coaching volleyball. With her love for athletics, her teams were quite competitive and even, at one time, won the state title. Dollie was of the Presbyterian faith and was always willing to serve where ever, and however she could. Later in Life, Dollie would move back to Mississippi, first to Oxford, and then to Water Valley where she became very active in the local church. She remained active until just recently when her health began to fail. She will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved her.

Visitation is planned for Monday, August 07, 2023, at the Water Valley Presbyterian Church from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM. Funeral Service will follow immediately at 11:00 AM with Rev. Harold Sprayberry officiating. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery in Water Valley.

Dollie is survived by one son, Michael (Charlotte) Smith, of Water Valley; three grandchildren, Vanessa Gaisford (David), Leyla Moody (Pat), Lynsi Keeble (Douglas); seven great-grandchildren; and one sister, Mary Wright of Jackson, MS.

Along with her parents, Dollie was preceded in death by her husband of thirty years, Lynn Smith; a daughter Sharon Lynn Smith Pafford, as well as nine brothers; and four sisters.