Jacksonville, NC - Doretta Frenna Smith, American 20th century artist, known for her impressionist realism watercolors, passed away on July 19, 2012. She was born to Antonio and Antoinetta Frenna in Trieste, Italy on July 23, 1924. Doretta's higher education in Italy included study at the Magistrale Institute, the Technical Institute of Accounting and the Commercial Institute of Comptometry (a business school). She also studied at the Berliz School of Languages, Enenkel School of Art and Design, The Popolare University and several other academic business schools. She came to Jacksonville in December of 1948, after marrying William Jesse Smith, an American Serviceman. She put her work aside for several years to raise eight children.
Doretta taught art classes at Coastal Carolina Community College for five years before turning to painting full time in 1978. She judged art shows and gave lectures as well as workshops. Her awards are numbered in the hundreds for her art work. She has been recognized in many publications including, "Who's Who of America" and "The New Personalities of America".
Doretta was very active in her church and a member of the Catholic Daughters. She also kept in touch with her many Italian friends known as the "Girls from Trieste".
She leaves behind her husband, William J. Smith and eight children; Frank and Nita Smith of Lexington, KY, George & Brinda Smith of Raleigh, Rose Mary Smith of Jacksonville, Patrick Smith of Jacksonville, Anna & Jonathan Grover of White River Jct, VT, Edward and Lori Smith of Fuquay-Varina, John & Donna Smith of Angier and Michael Smith and John Naretta of Charlotte. Doretta and Bill were blessed with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be at Jones Funeral Home on Sunday evening from 6:00pm until 8:00pm. A Funeral Mass will be held at her church, Infant of Prague Catholic Church on Monday, 11:00am. Burial will be at Coastal Carolina State Veterans Cemetery. Her pallbearers will be her sons. The family wishes to thank Alice Rich, Pansy Mann, Jerry Riznyshok, Michelle Quigley, Joyce Owel and the staff of Premier Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for their love, thoughtfulness and concern.
Monday, July 23, 2012, 11:00am at Infant of Prague Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Coastal Carolina State Veterans Cemetery.
Visitation will be Sunday, 6:00pm until 8:00pm at the funeral home.