Ann Morel Smith

Celebration of Life services for Mrs. Ann Morel Smith, 78, will be held 10:00 a.m., Saturday, November 17, 2012, in the sanctuary of Shiloh Baptist Church, DeRidder, LA., with Bro. Rod Martin officiating under the direction of Hixson Funeral Home, DeRidder, LA. Interment will immediately follow on the grounds of Shiloh Cemetery, DeRidder, LA.

The family would like to welcome friends for visitation Friday, November 16, 2012, from the hours of 5-9 p.m. at Hixson’s Funeral Home.

Mrs. Smith was born December 8, 1933, in Lake Charles, LA, to the late Louis Oswald and Dessie Anne McFatter Morel and was called to her Heavenly home November 14, 2012, in DeRidder, LA. She graduated from Sugartown High School where she played a key part in winning the State Championship Basketball game. Early in life, Mrs. Smith enjoyed taking part in the Garden Club, singing at Nursing Homes and was very active in WMU. She enjoyed learning to fly airplanes and was always very generous with her time, never ignoring anyone with a need. Mrs. Smith valued people (she had a way about her that always made one feel special and important) taking the time to show excitement and paying compliments to everyone. She always portrayed a very positive image. Mrs. Smith retired following forty-four years of dedicated service from the Beauregard Memorial Hospital as Personnel Director. She was honored as the Business and Professional Woman of the year in 1966. Mrs. Smith was a very special mother and will be remembered for the loving care always provided to others.

Mrs. Smith is preceded in death by her parents and two brothers-in-law. Left to cherish the most precious memories of Mrs. Smith are her daughter; Charlotte Lynn Smith Butler, three sisters: Sarah “Shine” Lewis, Cheary “Sugar” Ford and Opal Cook and husband Jimmy, one brother; Walter Morel and wife Janice, two grandsons: Joseph Warren Butler and David John Butler, a special friend; Gail Shirley Sadden, along with many extended family members and many wonderful friends.

Honoring Mrs. Smith as pallbearers will be David Butler, David Graham, J.T. Graham, Curt Lewis, Frank Townsley, and Kyle Townsley. Honorary pallbearers will be Joseph Butler and Dan Morel.

You may share your prayers and condolences with the family by visiting our online register at www.hixsonfuneral.com.