Bessie Smith

Grand Coteau– A Mass of Christian Burial for Bessie L. Smith will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 7, 2021, in the St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Grand Coteau. Fr. Aaron Melancon will officiate the Mass. A Private Burial will take place at a later date at St. Charles Cemetery.

Bessie, age 85, a resident of Grand Coteau, passed away on Tuesday, July 27, 2021, at Lafayette General Medical Center.

Bessie was a dedicated member of the Ladies Auxiliary. She enjoyed watching the live horse races at Evangeline Downs and Gunsmoke TV show. Bessie cherished the time spent with her family and friends. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Bessie is survived by her son, Ricky Lewis, Sr.; daughters, Marvelle Smith, Sherelle Smith, Kimberly Smith-Forestier (David), Margaret Smith; sister, Catherine Polidore; two godchildren, Dawn Henry and Marvelyn Smith; a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews; and her special friends, Gladys Marks and Gwendolyn Miller.

Bessie is preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Charles Smith; son, James O’neal Chaisson, Sr.; parents, Leonce Mayfield, Sr. and Margaret Sias Mayfield; brothers, Leonce Mayfield, Jr., Floyd Mayfield, Sr., John Darrell Mayfield, Danny K. Mayfield; sisters, Philomena Walker, Judy Watkins, and Shirley Mayfield.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 7, 2021, from 8:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. at Sibille Funeral Home in Grand Coteau. The rosary will be recited at 9:00 a.m.

Pallbearers will be Johnelle Smith, Joseph Smith, Marcus Carter, David Zenon, Jr., Tyler Zenon and Jamal Chaisson. Honorary pallbearers will be James O’neal Chaisson, Jr., Peter Guilbeau, Ricky Lewis, Sr., Ricky Lewis, Jr., Javon Lewis, Dorian Mayfield, Clayton Mayfield, Anthony Mayfield, Floyd Mayfield, Jr., and Curtis Gradnigo.

Words of Comfort to the family may be expressed at www.sibillefuneralhomes.com. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Sibille Funeral Home of Grand Coteau.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic the family highly recommends visitors wear mask and practice social distancing.