Velma Emerson Smith

Velma Emerson Smith November 9th, 1914 – October 21st, 2013 OPELOUSAS- Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Monday, October 28, 2013 at Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Opelousas, LA for Mrs. Velma Emerson Smith, 99, who entered eternal rest on Monday, October 21, 2013 at Heritage Manor Nursing Home of Opelousas, LA. Interment will be in Bellevue Memorial Park in Opelousas, LA. Pastor Jaison Mangalth, SVD will officiate the services. Velma prided herself on being a dedicated and devoted teacher for nearly 50 years. Her first assignment was in St. Landry Parish in Linwood. She taught in Lawtell, where she was fondly remembered and her final teaching assignment in St. Landry Parish was at Park Vista Elementary. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Leland College, advancing her studies at USL, LSU, Xavier University, Grambling University, and Southern University. In retirement, Mrs. Smith taught Catechism students at Holy Ghost Catholic Church. She was a member of the Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary, Holy Ghost Court 8. She was also a member of the Legion of Mary, Senior Sodality, Louisiana Retired Teachers Association, and Tutorial Teachers for the Catholic Diocese of Lafayette, St. Benedict Temple 1013, and a lector at home Masses. She leaves to mourn and cherish her memories, nieces and nephews: Catherine Emerson Cottles (William), Alvin Haynes (Stephanie), Vernon Haynes (Joyce), Barbara Haynes (niece-in-law), Gregory Haynes (Evette), Adele Brown, Betty Thomas (Carlton), and Diane Winfield (Ike). Velma is also survived by godson Herman Fuselier; dear friend, Joycelyn S. Haynes; and beloved great-niece, Chandra Haynes Labrie. Velma joins in eternal rest her husband and her parents; seven sisters, Julia Bourque, Jewella Hardaway, Florence Francois, Beatrice Fournier, Vivian Brigham, Marie Emerson, Helen Arceneaux, and Frances Haynes; two brothers, Lawrence H. Emerson and Eddie Emerson; and beloved nephew, Karl Ray Haynes. Visiting hours will be observed from 8:00 A.M. to 9:45 A.M. Monday, October 28th, 2013 in Opelousas, LA. Share words of comfort with the Smith family at www.williamsfuneralhomes.net Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Williams Funeral Home of Opelousas, 337-942-2037.

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Velma Emerson Smith

November 9, 1914 - October 21, 2013