Dorothy L. Smyser

CHARLESTON, IL – Dorothy L. Smyser, age 86, of Charleston and formerly of Bushton and Rardin, went to her Heavenly Home on Saturday, February 20, 2021 while at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until Noon on Thursday, February 25, 2021 at Adams Funeral Chapel.  A Graveside Service, honoring and celebrating her life, will follow at 12:30 p.m. in Mound Cemetery, Charleston.  Dorothy’s family requests that memorial gifts be made to her daughter, Brenda Carrell and left at the visitation or mailed in care of Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Drive, Charleston, IL  61920. 

Dorothy was a Christmas Eve baby, born December 24, 1934 in Bushton, Illinois, a daughter of the late Ralph and Margaret (Shick) Simpson.  On November 3, 1956 she married Clarence “Ratty” Smyser in Shelbyville, Illinois and they enjoyed nearly 32 years of married life prior to his death on June 14, 1988.

Left to cherish their many loving memories are her 5 children, Leroy Smyser (Cathy) of Oakland, Illinois, David Smyser (Vanessa), Brenda Carrell (fiancé John Moore (deceased), Cindy Smyser (Brad Bonewitz) and Randy Smyser (Laura), all of Charleston.  Also surviving are her twelve grandchildren whom she adored, Tasha Shirley, Tiffany Smyser, Joey Smyser, Casie Pearcy (Jack), Haley Smyser (fiancé Ryan), Charlie Carrell, Cristal Carrell, Nicholas Carrell, Brandy Babb (Brandon Coonce), Brandon (Austin) Babb, Randy Lee (Angelia) and Joshua Smyser (fiance Samantha), along with 28 great-grandchildren, Madison Shirley, Kenzie Toothman, Cheyenne Smyser, Destyni Stutts, River Smyser, Alesia Smyser, Jade Smyser, Zoey Smyser, Jasmin Pearcy, Jaycee Pearcy, Megan Pearcy, Macy Pearcy, Novalee Smyser, Davis Smyser-Nelson, Dylan Lewis, Tessa Lewis, Bristol Carrell, Hunter Hargis, Trinity Coonce, Willow Coonce, Madison Coonce, Jameson Babb, Drax Babb, Dash Babb, Ransym Smyser, Laiden Smyser, Kamdynn Smyser, and Ben Newberry.  Dorothy was also blessed with 2 adorable great-great-grandchildren, Braelee Smyser-Webb and Jax Smyser.  She is also survived by two of her six siblings, Ralph Simpson (Gloria) of Chrisman, Illinois and Carol Ritz (John Carrell) of Oakland, Illinois.

Preceding Dorothy in death were three brothers, Oscar “Bill” Simpson, Cleo “Fred” Simpson and Matthew Simpson; and a sister, Patricia Wilson. 

Dorothy was employed for 20 years at Hi-Cone in Charleston.  She was a member of the Charleston VFW Auxiliary where she was actively involved.  Dorothy’s life radiated her love for her family.  Together, they enjoyed camping, boating, fishing, and she was a big supporter of the family’s hobby of dirt racing.  She was also a fan of NASCAR and enjoyed following the circuit as a television spectator. She always looked forward to an evening with family and friends at the VFW or other venues listening to her favorite “Sawyer Brothers” band.  Dorothy’s hospitality was enjoyed by many earning her the warm and endearing title of “Grandma” not only to her grandchildren but to others.  There are many fond memories and heartwarming stories of Dorothy to be remembered and shared by family and friends.

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