Shirley "Dolly" M. Smith

Shirley M. “Dolly” Smith, age 90, of Escanaba, passed away Monday evening, January 16, 2023 at OSF St. Francis Hospital in Escanaba with her family by her side. She was born on March 31, 1932 in Escanaba, the daughter of Edwin and Esther (Hill) Erickson. Dolly was raised in Escanaba where she also attended school. She went to work at the age of 16 at a sewing factory and also Woolworth’s in Escanaba. Dolly married William Halsey Smith on July 1, 1950 at Bethany Lutheran Church in Escanaba and he preceded her in death on October 8, 2011. Together, the couple shared 61 years of marriage and raised 5 children. Dolly was a loving homemaker and cared for her family as they always came first. Later in her life, she went back to school and graduated from Escanaba High School with her GED in 1983. She was very proud of this accomplishment! Dolly was a long-time member of Christ the King Lutheran Church in Escanaba. She looked forward to and enjoyed attending events with her husband’s Mead Management Club throughout the years. Dolly’s family meant the world to her and she loved spending time with them.

Dolly is survived by her children, Sharon Smith of Denver, CO, Michael (Vicki) Smith of Plymouth, WI, Robert Smith of Escanaba, William (Cheryl) Smith of Escanaba, and Barbara (Rick) Wasalaski of Brighton, MI; 8 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; sister, Beverly Erkfitz of Henderson, KY; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, Dolly was preceded in death by her brothers, Edward and Marvin Erickson; and sisters, Dorothy Servant, Betty Way, and Ruth Sharkey.

Visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m., Friday, January 20, 2023 at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Escanaba. Funeral services celebrating the life of Dolly will follow at 1:00 p.m., Friday, with Rev. Lon Hider officiating. A reception will be held at the conclusion of the services in the church fellowship hall. Burial will take place in the Gardens of Rest Cemetery. 

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