Lura Guillory Smith

Lura Smith, age 86, passed away on July 9, 2023. A celebration of life is scheduled for August 5, 2023 at Friendship Baptist Church, 1071 Friendship Loop, Villa Platte, Louisiana 70586.   Visitation is at 1:00 PM, service at 2:00 PM, with a reception to follow in the fellowship hall. 

Lura was born on July 23, 1936 in Ville Platte, Louisiana to parents Lelius and Elizabeth Guillory. She grew up in Pine Prairie, Louisiana and spent the majority of her life there.  She moved to Chappell Hill, Texas in 2018 to live with her daughter, Vickey Smith. 

 Lura married Elvin Lee Smith and they made their home in Pine Prairie, Louisiana. Lura and Elvin were blessed with three daughters. Lura’s number one priority was her family – she was an incredibly dedicated mother, and later a ‘maw-maw’ to her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, along with any child in the neighborhood who came around. Lura enjoyed serving her community by volunteering with the Bluebirds at her local nursing home.  Lura also served, for many years, as a board member of the Evangeline Parish Water District, Ward 4. 

Lura was known for being a loving and giving person, focused on nourishing others with her homemade dishes served with lots of love. Lura was very involved in the lives of her family members, especially the little ones – she was present at ball games, school functions and parties.  Lura had a great sense of humor and enjoyed making others laugh. She would check on each family member, and always made a point to say “I love you, and I am so, so proud of you!” 

Lura and Elvin traveled extensively, loved camping, crabbing and new adventures.  Lura also loved dancing, gardening, reading and animals, especially Chloe, her precious  Chihuahua. 

Surviving loving family includes: daughters Tanna Cole (husband Otis), Vickey Smith, Lisa Ketchum (husband Stan); grandchildren Nicki Johnson, Lindsey Jones, Adam Hebert, Matt Ketchum, Ashley Hebert, Lauren Lee, Magen Boring, Mason Cole, Tony Hebert, Lance Cole;  great-grandchildren Sydia King, Landrie Johnson, Corlyn Johnson, Connor Jones, Abigaile Jones, Parker Jones,  Blake Hebert, Jude Hebert, Kami Hebert, Gracie Hebert, Maddox Hebert, Wyatt Ketchum, Harper Ketchum, Kamryn Cormier, Brynli Cormier, Kashton Cormier, Aubree Lee, Isabelle Lee, Sawyer Lee, Charlie Boring, Bowen Boring, Jacob Cole, Joshua Cole, Jessica Cole; great-great-grandchildren Olivia Cole, Eleanor Cole, Julianna Cole; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. 

Lura is preceded in death by her parents; her husband Elvin; and her brother Flarence. Lura left a great legacy of love and service to others and she will be greatly missed.