Ms. Elaine Marie Smith

Elaine Marie Smith, the beloved daughter of Harriet Thierry Smith and Lawrence Joseph Smith, was born on Wednesday, May 28, 1958, in Lafayette, Louisiana. From an early age, Elaine embraced her faith in Christ and became an active and dedicated member of St. Mark Baptist Church in the Plaisance community. Throughout her life, she served with unwavering devotion, including roles as treasurer of the senior choir, president of the Pastor’s Aide Committee, Vacation Bible School assistant, and chairperson of the church’s annual picnic. Elaine loved bringing people together, hosting friendly gatherings, and helping to prepare for the Joseph family reunion, moments always filled with love, laughter, and delicious food. Her willingness to help others, combined with her kindness and strength, touched the lives of everyone she met. Elaine graduated from Plaisance High School in 1977 and furthered her education earning a Bachelor of Science in Business from Southern University in 1981. She had a successful career, most recently serving as the office manager at Active Personal Care Services. Elaine’s professionalism, encouragement, and warmth made her a cherished presence in her workplace and a source of love and support to all who knew her. Her memory lives on through her family: one brother, Christopher James “Teddy” Smith, one sister, Jacqueline Smith Guillory, three nephews: Cody Guillory (Charisse), Joshua Guillory (Tamara), Matthew Guillory (Mariah), all of Opelousas, LA. Elaine’s legacy is also carried on by seven Guillory great-nieces and nephews: Camille Ronae, Caylee Reese, Colson Reign, Marley Jade, Cade Roman, Meila Grace, three godchildren: Chante’ Bellard-Lavallier, Daryl Baker, Kevin Hale, sister-cousins—Janice Brown, Melinda Stevens-Ester, Catherine Jean Fontenot, Carolyn "Wine" Marzette, Maxine Brown-Simon, Linda Gale Thierry, and her “Road Posse,” Gwendolyn Edwards, Patsy Williams, and Carolyn “Wine” Marzette—all held a special place in her heart. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence Joseph Smith and Harriet Thierry, as well as her paternal grandparents, Percy Lee Smith and Rosa Randall Smith, and maternal grandparents, Harriet Joseph Thierry and Leonce. Elaine’s memory will forever be cherished by all who had the honor of knowing her. Her legacy of love, faith, and service to others will continue to live in the hearts of her family, friends, and all who were touched by her strong will and kindness. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at St. Mark Baptist Church, located at 3461 Highway 167 in Opelousas, Louisiana 70570, in the community of Plaisance. Viewing will begin at 8:00 AM, followed by the service at 10:00 AM. Burial will take place immediately following the service in the church cemetery. Pastor Jason Rubin will officiate. The family invites relatives, friends and all who were touched by her life to share words of comfort and memories at www.williamsfuneralhomes.net. Your expressions of love, support and remembrance are deeply appreciated during this time. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Williams Funeral Home of Opelousas, 337-942-2037.

Tributes

Ms. Elaine Marie Smith

May 29, 1958 - December 20, 2025