Sheila Smith Obituary

Shelia Marie Smith

November 23, 1954 - October 25, 2025

Abbeville, LA – Funeral services for Ms. Sheila Marie Smith is scheduled for 11:00 A.M. Saturday, October 25, 2025 at St. Mary Congregational Church – 221 S. Louisiana Ave with burial in the St. Mary Congregational Cemetery on Prairie Street in Abbeville.

Shelia M. Smith was born on November 23, 1954, in Lafayette, Louisiana, to Samuel Smith and Justiner Williams Smith. Shelia was baptized at an early age at St. Mary Congregational Church in Abbeville, Louisiana, where her faith journey began.

She received her education through the Vermilion Parish School System and graduated from Abbeville High School in 1972. Later in life, Shelia continued her education, earning an Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education from South Louisiana Community College in 2004.

Shelia dedicated her life to nurturing and educating children. She served the Abbeville Head Start Program for over 30 years, shaping the lives of countless young students and leaving a lasting impact on her community. After retiring, her passion for caring for children continued as she operated her own in-home daycare, Right Track Daycare, for more than a decade.

She leaves to cherish her memory two loving children, Kalen Smith (Mia) and Keyundra Broussard (Antonio); one brother, Dwayne Briggs (Charlotte); and four beloved grandchildren, Kendal Smith, Korie Smith, Justin Smith, and Kayleigh Broussard. She is also survived by three aunts, Mable Levine (Alton Sr.) of Dallas, TX; Irene Williams of Abbeville, LA; and Burmadine Edwards of New Orleans, LA; one uncle, Franklin Smith of New Orleans, LA; and a host of nieces, nephews, godchildren, relatives, and dear friends.

Shelia was preceded in death by her son, Darren Keith Joiner, parents, Justiner W. Smith and Samuel Smith; her brother, Samuel Smith Jr.; maternal grandparents, Edward Williams Sr. and Malvin Williams; paternal grandparents, Eddie Smith Sr. and Mattie Smith; godparents, Eddie Smith Jr. and Autmese Smith; four aunts, Laura Bessard, Elizabeth Brannon, Ruth "Aunt Sis" Smith and Lealer Smith; six uncles Richard Williams, Edward Williams, Columbus Williams, William Smith, Alfred Smith, and Wilson Smith; and one niece, Katina M. Smith.

Shelia will be remembered for her kindness, her gentle spirit, and her lifelong devotion to children and family. Her love, wisdom, and warmth will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Visitation will begin at the church from 9:00 A.M. until time of service. Pastor Kevin Williams will officiate the service. Additional information will be posted as soon as it becomes available.

Funeral Arrangements entrusted to Kinchen Funeral Home Inc, 218 North St. Valarie, Abbeville, LA 70510 is in charge of arrangements. Additionally, condolences to the family can be expressed on our website at www.kinchenfuneralhome.com.