March 28, 1922 – Jan. 25, 2013

NATCHEZ — Funeral services for Lois Nelle Smith, 90, of Natchez, who died Friday, Jan. 25, 2013, at Natchez Regional Medical Center, will be 2 p.m. Monday at Parkway Baptist Church with the Rev. Jeff Brewer officiating. Burial will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Laird Funeral Home.

Visitation will be from noon until service time Monday at the church.

Mrs. Smith was born March 28, 1922 in Crossett, Ark., to E. Ruel Melton and Vincie Rogers Melton. Nelle spent her childhood in Bastrop, La., graduating from Bastrop High School in 1939. She then attended Northeast Louisiana University and went on to work for International Paper Company, where she met her husband of 65 years, J.T. Smith. After two years of marriage, the two IP employees moved to Natchez, where they raised their family and lived their lives.

Nelle always talked about the wonderful memories of following Peggy and her Rebelette Drill Team and Jim and his years of football, basketball and baseball. She was so proud of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She treasured every moment with them and loved hearing about every detail of their lives. For 20 years, Nelle was secretary of the lower school at Trinity Episcopal Day School. She never tired of telling her family and friends stories of all her babies out at the school. She truly treasured her memories of these times.

Nelle and J.T. were long- time members of Parkway Baptist Church from its first location near John’s Manville. Nelle enjoyed her many years of teaching Sunday school at Parkway. She and J.T. were also long-time members of CenLa Rose Society, where she served as secretary for many years, and lifetime members of the American Rose Society. They were bronze medalists in the Southern District Rose Society.

Nelle will always be rembered for her kind, loving and sweet spirit. She never uttered an unkind word. Always the eternal optimist, she had a continuous, infectious smile that brightened the day of anyone she saw. She loved her family and friends unconditionally, offering only sincere words of encourgament filled with love. Her love for the Lord and trust in Him were always the guiding light in her life. Her beautiful marrage to J.T. and their love for one another will forever be a shining example to her family and friends.

Nelle was preceded in death by her parents; one infant daughter, Sally Ann; and a sister, Wanda White, and husband, Louie White.

Survivors include her husband, Julius T. Smith of Natchez; one daughter, Peggy Francis and husband, Harold, of Napa, Calif.; one son, Jim Smith and wife, Sarah, of Natchez; four grandchildren, McKenzie, Emory and Carter Smith of Natchez and Amber Francis of Napa, Calif.; and one great granddaughter, Izzy Francis of Napa, Calif.

The family would like to thank Nelle’s caregivers, Edna, Annie and Ollie for their dedication and love. Also, we are so thankful for the personal and loving care provided by Dr. England and his staff over the years. The family would also like to thank friends, neighbors and Parkway Baptist Church for their continual love and support.

Pallbearers will be Carter Smith, Sam Gwin, Gary Jones, Brandon Smith, Bill Salters, Curtis King, Kenny Jackson and Kenny Smith. Honorary pallbearers are Ken White, Bob White, Johnny White, Seth White and Sonny Gwin.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Trinity Episcopal Day School or Parkway Baptist Church.