Mary Helen Slaydon Smith, 87, of Merryville went to her heavenly home on
Feb. 15 from Lake Charles Memorial Hospital following a brief battle with lung cancer, surrounded by her family.
Mary Helen was born on Sept. 3, 1924, in Merryville to the parents of Cullen Edward and Sally Ethel Slaydon. She was a 1942
graduate of Merryville High School. She married the love of her life, Edwin Herman Smith, Sr., on June 14, 1941. He preceded her in death after nearly 58 years of marriage.
Mary Helen was a firm believer in the strength of her family. Her
greatest joy was having all of her children and grandchildren together for holidays or a special meal. She attended several churches during her childhood and young adult years, instilling Christian values in her children. In 1969 she became a member
of First United Pentecostal Church in DeRidder, and in 1997 began attending Grace Church where she was an active member until her death. She looked forward every Sunday to hearing her pastors speak and was very outspoken; recently, telling one of
them she enjoyed his wife’s teaching over his because his wife’s teaching had depth. She leaves a huge hole in the heart of everyone who knew and loved her and will be remembered most for her determination and love of God.
She is survived
by two daughters, Shirley Slaydon and husband Bobby, Sr. of DeRidder and Charlotte Fountain and husband Jerry of Merryville; one son, Edwin Herman Smith, Jr. and wife Lynne of Hampshire, England; six grandsons; Bobby Slaydon, Jr., and wife Karen of
Many, Kevin Slaydon and wife Lori of Rosepine, Mark Smith and wife Rosy of Magnolia, Texas, Micah Smith of Humble, Texas, Jeremy Fountain and wife Lori of DeRidder and Zachary Fountain of Merryville; two granddaughters, Anna Lisa Pollock and husband
Troy of Anacoco and Stephanie Snyder and husband Chris of Beaver Dam, Ky. Mary Helen was also blessed with eight great-grandsons and seven great-granddaughters.
She is also survived by her sisters-in-laws, Zoe Slaydon of Merryville, Alma
Johnson of Evans and Blanche Reynolds and husband Aubon of Houma; and brothers-in-law, Norris H. Smith of Evans and Ercole Favaloro of Metairie.
She was the last surviving member of her immediate family, being predeceased by her parents,
Cullen and Ethel Slaydon; sisters Newasa Grant and Gussie Cooper; brother Cullen Slaydon, Jr. and a brother who died shortly after birth.
Visitation will be from 5-9 p.m. on Feb. 18 at Labby Funeral Home in DeRidder. Funeral services will
be held at 2 p.m. on Feb. 19 at Grace Church in DeRidder. Services will be conducted by Pastor George Lee Glass, Rev. George L. Glass, Jr., Rev. James Glass, Rev. Jerry Fountain and Rev. Trent Holman. Interment will be in Cooper Cemetery on U.S. 190
West. Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.labbymemorial.com.