The doors of Heaven have opened welcoming its newest member. Evelyn Bernice Smith, 93, passed away peacefully April 28, 2022, at 4:05 p.m. surrounded by her family at her side.
Born Nov. 20, 1928, in Toomey, La., Bernice was welcomed by her parents Arthur E Broussard Sr and Amelia Olivia Moss Broussard. She was a “cowgirl” by heart, instilled by her Dad and brothers but also a “loving, caring and fun spirit by her Mom.
Bernice attended elementary, junior high and high school in Vinton, La. Upon graduation, she continued her studies at Sowella Tech earning her degree in Business Administration. Immediately following, she began working at the Lake Charles Welfare office meeting lifelong friends Betty Faye Royer and Verline Hair. Through these friends, she met the love of her life, John B. Smith. Married Aug. 5, 1950, they later settled in Sulphur raising their three children.
Bernice followed her business degree working in public education, first as assistant librarian at W.W. Lewis Jr. High and secretary at Vincent Settlement, W.T Henning and Sulphur High before her retirement.
Life after brought her travels with her husband enjoying the open roads in their RV. She was also enriched with her faith in God, teaching Catholic Catechism and offering Eucharistic ministry to the elderly. Her strong belief gave her solace and peace with her daily prayers and rosary.
After the death of her husband, she found joy moving to Stonebridge Assisted Living. Here she found an abundance of new and dear friends, enjoying Bingo, dominos and her ultimate passion, reading books often completing them within a day.
Bernice is survived by her daughter, Rachel Wilburn (Mark) of Sulphur, La; son, Steven Smith (George Steven Moncrief) of Palm Desert, Calif.; and son-in-law, Buddy Merritt of Heflin, La.; two grandchildren, Katie Wilburn Cart (Jason) of Houston, Texas, and Courtney Wilburn Marse (RJ) of New Orleans, La.; five great-grandchildren, Harrison Cart, Brennan Cart, Madeline Cart, Lillian Marse and James Marse; and brother, Arthur E Broussard, Jr. (Fran) of North Chesterfield, Va.
Bernice was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur E and Amelia Olivia Broussard; husband John B. Smith; daughter Jacqueline Merritt; infant son, Richard Smith (Rachel’s twin brother); and three brothers, Royce “Chubby”, Charles “Coy” and Donald Ray “Donny” Broussard.
Funeral service is under the direction of Johnson-Robison Funeral Home in Sulphur. Visitation will be Friday, May 6, 2022, 5-8 p.m. with rosary at 6 p.m. Visitation will continue Saturday, May 7, 2022, 8:30-10:30 a.m. Mass of Christian Services, led by Pastor Timothy Goodley, will begin at 11am at Immaculate Conception Church in Maplewood. Burial will follow at Mimosa Pines Cemetery in Carlyss.
The family would like to thank Dr. Turner, Anna Landry-NP and their staff as well Dr. Lodhi and Dr Rebecca Braud for their many years of dedication and care.
Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.robisonfuneralhome.com.