Obituary of Dorothy Smith Knowlton

On Thursday May 4, 2023, Dorothy Smith Knowlton, loving wife and mother of two daughters, passed away peacefully after a brief illness at the age of 84. Dorothy began a lifetime of science education with a BS in Biology (East Carolina College 1961) and MS in Zoology (University of North Carolina 1966). Always excelling academically, undergraduate achievements also included college union president, science club chair, and Alpha Phi sorority membership. While starting a family, she made significant contributions to her husband’s PhD dissertation by drawing over 100 figures of shrimp to scale as viewed through a microscope. Those early years of marriage set the stage for a lifelong partnership spanning 60 years. It was a partnership defined by lovingly raising a strong family together as well as mutual respect and support for their careers. Her 23-year science education career grew from volunteering and later teaching science in her daughters’ elementary school, to being the Specialist and later Supervisor for all science education in Arlington County Public Schools grades K-12. Dorothy loved all things plants and flowers, and was an extremely avid reader. During difficult times, she calmly provided safe haven and unwavering support, whether for niece and nephews or daughters’ friends. Through six decades of summers at her husband’s coastal Maine family property, Dorothy proudly learned the Knowlton Family history and lovingly embraced the traditions created by generations before her on the property. Though she faced decades of numerous significant health issues, she was defined by her kindness, intelligence, humor, and smile. Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, Horace and Alma Smith (Zebulon NC).  She is survived by her husband Dr. Robert Knowlton, her daughters Julie and Kathy, and two grandchildren Steven and Katelyn.  The family will host a private celebration of life on June 24, 2023. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Pet Assistance League of Virginia, a small rescue their beloved cat Ozzie came from. Donations can be made online or by mail:  PAL-Va.org / PAL Inc. P.O. Box 1076 Stafford VA 22555.