Judith Smith, age 84, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 1, 2024, in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Judith was born on July 17, 1940, in Shreveport, Louisiana to Harrell Raley Smith and Lenore Sanders Smith who preceded her in death.
After graduating from Lake Charles High School, Judith chose to attend Sophie Newcomb College of Tulane University in her favorite city of New Orleans, Louisiana, where she met her former husband Thomas Maurice Weil with whom she shared her daughter Catherine Sanders Weil and son Dr. Thomas Smith Weil.
Judith’s family settled in Houston, Texas where she raised her children. A gifted cook taking classes from famed chef Jaque Pepin, Judith was also an avid reader, tennis player at the Forest Club and she continued her love of learning by attending classes at Women’s Institute of Houston. Judith became actively involved in politics and worked on the staff of the Republican National Convention in Houston, Texas. She later worked on several political campaigns and for the Liberty Tree Foundation raising funds and awareness about voters rights.
Judith relocated back to Lake Charles becoming active with the Good Shepherd women’s guild, President of the Leur de Livre book Club, the Little Mafia Supper Club and on the board of the Hobo Hotel for cats. Judith was a staunch advocate for all animals, especially her cats as well as the ducks and wildlife at the lake, purchasing geese and ducks to supplement the local population, travelling daily to feed them when she was able. Judith’s beloved Tonkinese cats won numerous prizes and awards at local and regional cat shows.
While Judith was known for her style and fashion sense, she was also a lifelong sports fan. She loved baseball; reading the box scores every day and even attending games in old Yankee Stadium in the 50’s. After moving to Houston in 1971, she became an Astros fan. Judith was a longtime Oilers and Rockets season ticket-holder and she adored Tulane Green Wave baseball, basketball and football. After the Oilers left Houston, when she returned to Lake Charles she resumed her love for the New Orleans Saints.
Judith is survived by her daughter, Catherine Sanders Weil and her husband Joseph Eason III; Judith’s son, Dr. Thomas Smith Weil and his wife Stacy Ann Weil, and Judith’s grandchildren Harrell Sidney Weil Eason, Anna Carlisle Weil Eason, Baker Smith Weil, and Elouise McAshan Weil. Those left to cherish her memory are Thomas Earl Sturgeon III, Sharon Sturgeon Bledsoe and their families, John Karas, and Baker and Elouise Weil’s mother Louise Baker Weil.
A memorial service will be held at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, 715 Kirkman St., Lake Charles, LA on November 7, 2024, at 1:00 pm. The Reverend Dr. Mitzi George will officiate. Honorary Pallbearers will be Dr. Thomas Smith Weil, Harrell Eason, Baker Weil, Joseph Eason, Thomas Sturgeon, and John Bledsoe. Burial will be at a later date under the direction of J.E. Hixson Funeral Home.
