Maryetta C. Smith

Maryetta E. Chilson Smith passed away at 4:06pm Saturday April 26, 2025 at Harbor Hospice in Lake Charles, LA. She was born in Baton Rouge to Fred Jerome and Mary Earle Chilson. Shortly after her arrival, the family made Lake Charles their home. Maryetta was a graduate of Lake Charles High School and McNeese State University.

Her passion in life was working in the healthcare industry. She began her career in healthcare working at St. Patrick Hospital. She then began working with Dr's Sorkow and Shorts and for Dr. John Cocchiara, who became a great friend and mentor to her. After working for Dr. Cocchiara for many years, she began a career in the nursing home industry and in hospital administration.

After retiring early due to health issues, Maryetta's unwavering need to help others continued by assisting, supporting and educating the elderly with anything and everything related to their healthcare needs. It was then that she found a new hobby painting porcelain china. She traveled extensively with friends learning the art of porcelain painting from artist from around the world, becoming a very accomplished artist herself. She was a devote Baptist and member of Grand Lake Community Church.

She is preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband of 53 years Roger E. Smith of Sweetlake, her daughter Melissa and son-in-law Mark Hamilton of Lake Charles, her brother James and wife Linda of Slidell, seven grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren and two great grandchildren on the way.

At her request, her family will lay her to rest alongside her Father in a private service at Prien Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to nursing home residents with limited resources or to a charity of your choice.

The family would like to the staff at Landmark Care Center, especially Ms. Tony and Ms. Bernadette in the memory care unit, Grand Cove Nursing Center and Harbor Hospice for their compassionate care.

Cremation has been entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home in Lake Charles.