Evelyn Bernice Smith

The doors of Heaven have opened welcoming its newest member.   Evelyn Bernice Smith, 93, passed away peacefully April 28, 2022, at 4:05 PM surrounded by her family at her side.

Born November 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 Sowela 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 August 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, CA and son-in-law Buddy Merritt of Heflin, La.;  2 grandchildren Katie Wilburn Cart (Jason) of Houston, TX and Courtney Wilburn Marse (RJ) of New Orleans,  La.; 5 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 3 brothers Royce "Chubby", Charles "Coy" and Donald Ray "Donny" Broussard.

Funeral services are under the direction of Johnson and Robison Funeral Home in Sulphur.  Visitation will be Friday, May 6, 2022, 5-8 PM with rosary at 6 PM. Visitation will resume on Saturday morning from 8:30 AM until time to leave for the church at 10:30 AM. A Mass of Christian burial, led by Father Timothy Goodly, will be Saturday, May 7, 2022, 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.