OPHELIA JACKSON SMITH

Ophelia Jackson Smith departed her earthly life at West Jefferson Medical Center on Monday, July 1, 2024, at the age of 85. She was a native of Waterproof, LA and a resident of Marrero, LA. Ophelia was a graduate of Lincoln High School Class of 1957, where she was Captain of the Basketball team, member of the track and field team, and was crowned Ms. Lincoln (Homecoming Queen). She attended Southern University in Baton Rouge where she majored in Business, and she was also a member of the track/field and basketball team. She later graduated from Delta Business School with a certificate in Business. She was also co-owner of Smitty’s Trucking Service and Smitty’s Lounge for many years. Ophelia retired from the Jefferson Parish Public School System after 18 years of service with the Even Start Program, which helped young men and women obtain their GED. Retirement didn’t agree with her, so she continued her career at Dillard’s Department store where she was a sales associate. Ophelia a faithful and active member of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, where she sang in the choir, was a member of the Feed the Hungry Ministry, Nursery Ministry, Sunday School, and VBS, just to name a few. She was a past member of the Westside Baptist Association and was an active member of the Gospel Music Workshop of America, and the National Convention of Gospel Choirs and Choruses. Ophelia was also a member of the Annual Senior Citizens Thanksgiving Dinner. Beloved wife of 50 years to the late James C. “Smitty” Smith, Jr. Devoted mother of Kimberly L. Smith, Kent A. (Kisha) Smith, and the late Kevin D. Smith. Grandmother of Anissa C. Smith-Thompson, Adrian J. Smith-Thompson (Dr. Lauren Cooper), Madison A. Smith, Dominic Daniels, Lauren Forte, and Chandler Gaudin. Great grandmother of Roman Darnell Smith-Thompson. Bonus mother of Dr. Keithen Jones, Willie J. Harris, Jr., Melvin R. Taylor, Andrea H. Scott, Monette E. Smith, Adrienne R. Harris, Alva McPherson, and Eveline Lestrick. Daughter of the late Phillip Jackson, Sr and Ida Phipps Jackson. Stepdaughter of the late Alberta Jackson. Sister of Mary D. Collins of Sacramento, CA, Charles Jackson Sr., and the late Claudia B. Harris, Barbara Christophe, Rev. Paul Jones, Sr., Phillip Jackson, Jr., Ulysses, James and Eddie Hudson. Niece of Rita D Lee. Goddaughter of the late Ike and Ella Mary Hunter. Sister-in-law of Irma S. Taylor, Gloria S. Davis, Dari S. Coleman, Carrie S. Williams, and Terry Edwards Jackson. Special friend Louana Hill, Amanda Johnson, Cynthia Davis, John Allen, and Rev. Miles Jenkins; also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other family and friends. Relatives and friends of the family, also pastors, officers, and members of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, and neighboring churches are invited to a Celebration of Life at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, 1419 4th St. Westwego, LA on Saturday, July 13, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. Pastor Woodrow Hayden officiating Visitation will begin at 8:30 a.m. at the church. Interment: Restlawn Park Cemetery- Avondale, LA. Arrangements by Davis Mortuary Service 230 Monroe St. Gretna, LA. To view and sign the guestbook, please go to www.davismortuaryservice.com.

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