Dora Smith Medearis

On January 17, 2012, Dora Smith Medearis entered her eternal rest where she joins loved ones waiting. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Walter Medearis; son, Walter (Chip) Medearis; parents, J. Hyder and Ethel Smith; sisters Kate Skipper, Eliza Parker, Vannie Wall, and Clara Millican; and brothers, Hardin Smith and Bill Smith Dora was born in Decaturville, TN. She attended Union University in Jackson, TN and the Chicago School of Interior Design. She also studied with Norman's of Salisbury, North Carolina. She and her late husband owned Medearis Home Furnishings in Centerville, TN. She was active in the First Baptist Church and her community. She was an interior designer with a weekly newspaper column. In midlife, Dora was called in a different direction. She went from changing people's homes to changing people's lives. Known as an avid speaker, she spoke in her community and surrounding areas. She was ordained into the ministry in 1992, and founded Women for Christ. During her ministry, she made a missionary journey to China and traveled the United States as a Speaker and leader in churches and retreats. She led prayer groups and Bible studies and was a great mentor to all ages. She is survived by her daughter, Ming South (Jerry) of Birmingham, Alabama; daughter-in-law-, Ann Medearis Lee (Ron) of Eufaula, Alabama; grandchildren, Aaron South of Wesleyan College in Macon Georgia, Jonathan South of Riverside Military Academy in Gainesville, Georgia, Brent Medearis (Megan) of Greenville, South Carolina, Matthew Medearis of New York, New York; and great-grandchildren, Owen and Gibson Medearis of Greenville, South Carolina, as well as a host of nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held at Trinity Assembly of God in Decaturville, TN on Friday, January 20, 2012 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. A Homegoing Celebration will be held there Saturday, January 21, 2012 at 1:00 pm. Interment will follow in the Parsons Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Graceland Church, 1667 Lewisburg Pike, Franklin, TN 37064. Memorials will be used for a prayer garden in honor of Mrs. Medearis.