essie mae smitherman

Essie Mae Smitherman, 98, of Dothan passed away at Extendicare Nursing Home on January 29, 2016. Miss Smitherman was preceded in death by her parents, Roy C. and Clara Wallace Smitherman of the Antioch Community near Centerville, Alabama and brothers, Orland C. and Roy L. Smitherman, both of Oak Ridge, TN. She graduated from the Bibb County Alabama Schools and Livingston College. She came to Dothan in the early 1940's where she taught school for nearly 40 years, the majority of which was as Biology teacher at Dothan High School. During her teaching years she received her Master's Degree from the University of Alabama. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Dothan, where she participated in the Music Ministry. Miss Smitherman is survived by two sisters, Gail Butts of Denver, CO; and Joy Sheppard of Marietta, GA and a number of nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. A private burial was held at Gardens of Memory with Ward Wilson Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. Ward Wilson Memory Hill Funeral Home, Cemetery & Crematory 334-792-4194, is in charge of arrangements. Visit us at www.wardwilson.com. Sign the guest book at www.dothaneagle.com