Linda Smith

Linda P. Smith, age 78, a resident of Baton Rouge, LA, passed away on January 10, 2023. Linda grew up in the Welsh/Roanoke area where she spent the majority of the first 68 years of her life. Linda graduated from Roanoke High School in 1962. She then continued her education at Louisiana College, graduating with her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education in 1966. At that time, she proudly began her teaching career as a fifth grade math teacher in Jeff Davis Parish, the same position she would retire from in 2004.

To know Linda, or Moochie, was to know her servant’s heart, warm smile, gentle hand and kind spirit. Her greatest loves were her faith, family, students, and pets. She worshiped at several churches throughout her life and loved singing in their choirs, being a Sunday School teacher, and serving in various outreaches. Her passion for serving others was evident through her volunteer work with UMCOR Disaster Relief, Project Angel Tree, The Shepherd’s Market in Baton Rouge, and singing with the Coalition Choir of Lake Arthur. As a dedicated teacher she served as her school’s 4H sponsor, tutored many students after school and was named Teacher of the Year during her time at West End Elementary. In her spare time, Linda could be found attending Bible studies, outside enjoying the sun while cutting the grass, or enjoying the company of her many pets. Whether she was playing cards and dominoes, traveling with friends, or supporting her daughter at her music events, Linda took great joy in simply spending time with those she loved most.

Linda is survived by her daughter, Kristie Smith of Baton Rouge; brother, Wayne Pitre of Welsh; nephews David Faulk and Darrell Faulk; nieces Donna Pitre Istre and Sheila Pitre Hanks and many close friends and extended family who loved her dearly. Linda is preceded in death by her father, Mitchell Joseph Pitre, her mother, Leola Dell Hill Pitre, and a brother, Donald Pitre.

Visitation will be Monday, January 16th, from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm at St. John’s United Methodist Church in Baton Rouge, LA. A second visitation will take place in Jennings, LA, on Tuesday, January 17th, from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm at Miguez Funeral Home. A service, officiated by Rev. Susan Pugh, will be held at 1:00 pm, also at Miguez Funeral Home, followed by the burial at China Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Wayne Pitre, Dale Smith, David Faulk and Darrell Faulk.

The family wishes to extend their utmost gratitude to the Hospice of Baton Rouge, Home Instead Senior Care, Juvo Home Care, and Linda’s most faithful caregivers and friends, Audrey Fisher and Rose Dame. Also, a special thank you to St. John’s United Methodist Church for the use of their sanctuary and the members of the Roanoke and Lake Arthur United Methodist Churches for providing food and refreshments.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to one of the following organizations in Linda Smith’s honor:

The Shepherd's Market

UMCOR-US Disaster Response

Louisiana United Methodist Children's Home