Doris Isabel Smith, 91, of Zephyrhills, FL and formerly of Newark Valley, NY and Endwell, NY, passed away on April 18, 2022 with her cherished daughter at her side.

Doris was born on January 16, 1931 to Thomas Reese Evans and Agnes Irene (Mackey) Evans in Lyon Mountain, NY. After graduating as salutatorian of Lyon Mountain High School in 1949, she went on to study nursing at the Champlain Valley School of Nursing.

While in college, she met the love of her life, Ira James Smith of Vestal, NY. They were married while they were both still in college on January 25, 1954 in Waterford, NY with her brother Rev. Thomas Evans officiating. After the wedding weekend, she went back to Plattsburgh to finish her education and became a Registered Nurse. Ira went back to Albany College of Pharmacy to complete his studies as a Pharmacist.

Upon graduation, the couple settled in Endicott, NY, and Doris went to work as a school nurse at the Hooper School in nearby Endwell, NY. She later held various nursing positions at Ideal Hospital in Endicott. Her favorite nursing tales centered around caring for the babies in the nursery.

The young couple were blessed with three children, Kirk, Todd, and Sandra, and settled in Vestal, NY, where Ira had purchased Swain Pharmacy.

With the birth of Sandra, Doris decided to dedicate her life to being a caring and wonderful mother. She was always her childrens greatest advocate.

Doris enjoyed creating a loving and welcoming home for family and friends. Doris loved to entertain on both grand and intimate scales and took great joy in conversing with her guests.

Outside of the home, Doris enjoyed shopping and the adventure of a "good find" (especially with her grandchildren), as well as her many years of bowling leagues at Ideal Lanes. She was a member of the Eastern Star and past member of the Newark Valley United Methodist Church. Later, she enjoyed attending services at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Zephyrhills, where her grandson Andrew is organist and musical director.

Doris was predeceased by her husband Ira and her mother, father and brother. She is survived by her children, Kirk F. Smith and wife Sharon, Todd E. Smith and wife Joan, and Sandra K. Shaheen and husband John; her grandchildren Ira T. Smith and wife Jewel Davis, Kenneth R. Smith, Andrew K. Shaheen, Dr. Michael E. Shaheen, and step granddaughter Alexandra Murphy and husband Matt; and her precious great granddaughter Emma Lynn Shaheen. She is also survived by her beloved nieces Patricia Smith, Paula Clodfelter and Carol Woolever Floto, as well as numerous other nieces, nephews and her sister, Ruth Mary (Evans) Holt.

The family wishes to thank Susie Luckman for the compassionate care she provided our mother, nephew Craig and wife Suzanne Chaiken for their assistance in finding Susie, and niece Mindy Chaiken for doing Doris hair over the past two years.

Funeral services will take place Sunday, April 24, 2022 at 4 PM in the chapel of Hodges Family Funeral Home on 36327 State Road 54, Zephyrhills, FL with Pastor Clarence Reinke officiating. The family will receive friends from 3 PM Sunday prior to the service. Interment will be Monday, April 25, 2022 at 10 AM in Chapel Hill Gardens in Dade City. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in her memory to Gulfside Hospice, 2061 Collier Parkway, Land OLakes, FL 34639, or online at https://www.flipcause.com/secure/fundraiser/ODgzNDg=/71087

Visitation

Hodges Family Funeral Home, Zephyrhills

Sunday, April 24, 2022 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM 36327 SR 54 Zephyrhills, FL 33541 Directions Funeral Service

Hodges Family Funeral Home, Zephyrhills

Sunday, April 24, 2022 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM 36327 SR 54 Zephyrhills, FL 33541 Directions Committal Service

Chapel Hill Gardens

Monday, April 25, 2022 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM 11531 Hwy 301 Dade City, Florida 33525 Directions