Delores Leanora (Nelson) Smith

Delores Leanora Smith was born on September 27, 1937, in Jamaica, New York. She passed away on February 2, 2023, in Lakeland, Florida. Dee was the daughter of the late Henley Nelson and Lula Boykin Nelson. 

She was raised in Camden, South Carolina, and Hyannis, Massachusetts. She received her early education from St. Matthews School and Jackson Elementary. She also attended Mather Academy in Camden, South Carolina. She attended Barnstable High School in Hyannis, Massachusetts, and went on to Sargent College and Boston University where she received her Bachelor of Arts in physical education and health. She served as an educator and was employed for over forty years in Boston, Cape Cod, and Prince George’s County, Maryland, where she retired. She was also a youth tennis instructor in Maryland. 

Dee also was involved in politics. She marched alongside Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in Boston, Massachusetts, during the school bus boycott, and she always cast her vote no matter what. Delores was also a member of Delta Sigma Teta Sorority, NAACP, Sargent College Alumni Association, and other various organizations.

Dee could always be found playing solitaire, solving a difficult puzzle, or talking politics. She loved to cook and eat seafood and travel. Tennis, bowling, and football (Redskins) were three of her favorite sports. 

Dee attended St. Mark United Methodist Church in Lakeland, Florida.

Delores was survived by her sons, Michael D. Smith (Angela) and Mark A. Smith, both of Lakeland, Florida; five grandchildren, Camille, Timothy Lovett, Jr., (Anna), Pamela Johnson, Anthony Smith, and Aysia Smith; three great-grandchildren, Jymari, Timothy Lovett III, and Alanna Lovett; brother, Don Nelson of Camden, South Carolina; three nephews, Richard Nelson (Lynda), Ivan Nelson (Jennifer), and Anthony Nelson (Sharon); special friend, Anne Toole; and a host of loving cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by Don Nelson II, nephew.

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