Melinda Smith Helton

Melinda Jean Smith passed from this life on Wednesday, August 2, 2023 at her home in Moss Bluff, LA. 

Melinda was born on August, 16, 1965 in Slidell, LA. She was the fourth child of William Delous Smith and Nelda Seal Smith.  She was a graduate of Salmen High School, class of 1983, and continued her education at McNeese State University, earning a degree in chemical engineering. Melinda loved to travel. She was the happiest when she was visiting new places and experiencing new things with her family. She had an infectious smile and a warm welcoming attitude. She was kind to everyone and had a heart of gold. These things were abundantly evident to everyone she met.

Those left to cherish her memory are; husband, Darryl; children; Ashley (Forrest) Guidry of Moss Bluff, LA and Jacob (Taylor) Helton of Little Elm, TX; brother; Delous (Kristy) Smith of Destrehan, LA; nieces; Victoria (Bobby) Cardoni of Cantonsville, Maryland and Baylee Smith of Destrehan, LA; two granddaughters; Morgan Palacio of Little Elm, TX and Kira Guidry of Lake Charles, LA; two grandsons; Lucas Palacio or Little Elm, TX and Hunter Guidry of Moss Bluff, LA. She is also survived by a host of cousins and chosen family.

She was preceded in death by father, Delous Smith of Slidell, LA; mother, Nelda Smith of Slidell, LA; sisters, Lyda Hunter of Columbia, MD and Brenda Smith of Gulfport, MS; brother in law, Ed Baron of Gulfport, MS; nephew, Nick Baron of Gulfport, MS.

Visitation will be from 10:00 A.M. until 2:00 P.M., Saturday, August 5, 2023 at Johnson Funeral Home, 2171 U.S. 171 Lake Charles, LA 70611. A memorial service will take place at 2:00 P.M. Saturday, August, 5, 2023 also at the funeral home.