Ms. Dorothy J. (Temple) Smith

Ms. Dorothy “Dot” Jean (Temple) Smith, 77, of Peoria, IL went home to be with the Lord at 3:35 pm on Saturday, March 2, 2024 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center surrounded by her family. Dot was born on December 19, 1946 in Belzoni, MS to Judge and Cora (Edwards) Temple. She married Richard Smith and to that union two sons, Michael and Jeffrey were born. Dot retired from Caterpillar, Inc., as a machine operator in the Transmission Business Unit where she proudly served for over 35 years. Dot loved taking care of her grandchildren. She loved to cook and prepare big family meals during the holidays. They were crazy about her macaroni and cheese and spaghetti. Dot loved to dance, laugh and had a good sense of humor. She loved to buy pretty things and shop at Bergner’s Department store. Dot loved to dress and when taking photos, she would waste no time to strike a pose. She loved caring for her plants and made sure her lawn was well groomed. Dot was a fierce protector of her family and wanted to make sure they were taken care of. She was a loving and caring person that would share whatever she had with anyone. Dot was a lifelong member of St. Paul Baptist Church where she was a devoted usher and a member of the “Sisters in the Sanctuary” Cleaning Committee. Dot leaves to cherish her most precious memory two sons, Michael (Diane) Smith of Peoria, IL and Jeffrey (Nicola Bullen) Smith of Peoria Heights, IL; two brothers, Robert Earl Temple of Peoria, IL and Charles Edwards of Adelanto, CA; four sisters, Ethel Temple, Martha McCall, Linda (Eric) Richards and Mildred (Lee Street) Smith all of Peoria, IL; five grandchildren, Marc (Whitney) Smith, Mario Fields, Trey Wilson, Alexandra Smith and Alexcia Smith; three greatgrandchildren, Marc Smith, Jr., Amora Smith and Harmony Smith and one on the way; daughter-in-love, Tina Scott of Peoria, IL and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Robert “Main” Temple and Johnal Smith, Sr.; three sisters, Jerry Laster-Gore, Denise Smith Hogan and Ella Louise Smith; two nephews, Johnal Smith, Jr. and Mark Temple; one niece, Sharon Laster; one great nephew, Brandon Smith and one great niece, Italy Smith. Funeral services will be held at 10 am on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at St. Paul Baptist Church with a visitation beginning at 9 am. Rev. Dr. Deveraux Hubbard, Pastor will officiate. Dot will be laid to rest at Parkview Cemetery. Simons Mortuary has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at SimonsMortuary.com.

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Ms. Dorothy J. (Temple) Smith

December 19, 1946 - March 2, 2024