Obituary of Delores Ann Smith

Delores A. Smith affectionately known as Nana, departed this life on Saturday, July 21, 2018 at 8:20 a.m. at Bronson Commons Rehabilitation Center. She was the 4th child born to the union of the late Douglas and Emma Mae Bolton on August 20, 1946 in Dickson, TN. Shortly after her birth, the Bolton family relocated to South Bend, IN where Delores completed her formal education and was a graduate of Central High School.  

Delores was reared in a loving Christian home where the family were faithful members of the Grace A.M.E. Zion Church. There she accepted Christ in 1962 and served in various ministries until she and her children relocated to Kalamazoo, MI. Delores later united with Mt. Zion Baptist Church, serving faithfully on the Nurses Ministry and Nursery Ministry for many years. Delores was a helpful hand around the church and an active member of the Sunday School community until her health declined.

Throughout the years Delores worked various jobs to support her family. She was a former elementary teacher’s aide at Colfax Elementary School in Indiana; and worked at Mr. Presidents and Walgreens Pharmaceutical Plant in Kalamazoo, MI before spending the balance of her career at Stryker Corporation. She retired from Stryker after 20 plus years of employment.  

Delores was preceded in death by her parents, brothers; Lloyd Wilbert Bolton, Roy Lee Bolton and sister; Irena Mae Reed.

Delores lived life to the fullest, never complaining and always vibrant in spirit. She leaves to cherish her loving memories a brother, Rev. Dr. H. Dwight Bolton of Los Angeles, CA.; a loving daughter, Kimberly (Eddie) Dunning of Kalamazoo; two devoted sons, Emery D. Smith of Los Angeles, CA and William E. (Ingrid) Smith II of Kalamazoo. Three Grandchildren; TaKarra Dunning of Kalamazoo, MI, William E. (Mercedeiz) Smith III of Lansing, MI and LaCaya Smith of Kalamazoo, MI: Four Great grandchildren: Godson, Karone Kelley. A host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

No obituary can fairly capture the essence of the life of Delores A. Smith. Her indelible memory shall be forever embedded in our hearts.

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith."          II Timothy 4:7