Jennifer was definitely one of a kind! Her smile & laugh was contagious. To know her was to love her. She never met a stranger. Just her presence would light up any room. Jennifer was the most selfless person; she always saw the good in everyone. Jennifer was a 1997 graduate of Vinton High School. She achieved her dream 3 years ago of opening her own restaurant, "Jenn's Southern Kitchen"; cooking has always been her passion. She was a devoted daughter, mother, meme, sister, and friend. Her family and friends were her world, especially her son, Colbey and her granddaughter, Saige. She will forever be loved, missed and remembered!
Those left to cherish her memory are her son, Colbey Bryce Smith of Vinton; her grand-daughter, Saige Smith; her parents, Janie Lawrence Fontenot & Jerry Lee Fontenot of Vinton, LA; her siblings, Amanda Smith Gradnigo (John) of Orange, TX, Kimberly Smith of Vinton, LA, Michael Smith (Tina) of TN; her step-sisters, Melanie Fontenot Dupre (Danny) of Vinton, LA and Cindy Fontenot Perritt (Joel) of Longview, TX; her nephews and nieces, Aamiyah Gradnigo, John Gradnigo III, Brianna Smith, Aryeona Smith, Colton Smith, Chad C. Maggio, Dustin Dupre, Kyle Dupre, Jacob Perritt and Jackson Perritt; her aunts and uncles, Joyce Newman (Jim) of Vancouver, WA, Jodie Lingo (Rick) of Washougal, WA, Roy Lawrence (Vicky) of Mauriceville, TX, Ray "Jr." Lawrence of Mauriceville, TX, Pete Lawrence (Debra) of Orange, TX; and a host of extended family members and friends.
Jennifer is preceded in death by her niece, Aaliyah Gradnigo; her maternal grandmother, Mary Lawrence, and her uncles, John Lawrence and Tommy Lawrence.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 30, 2022 at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Vinton, LA. Burial will follow in Hillcrest Cemetery in Orange, TX under the direction of Hixson Funeral Home of Vinton. Visitation will be from 9-11 a.m. on Saturday, April 30, 2022 at Emmanuel Baptist Church.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hixsonvinton.com for the Smith family.
