“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.”
(Jeremiah 29:11-12) Robert John Smith, Sr. called upon the Lord and the Lord God hearkened unto him to peacefully enter into eternal rest on July 13, 2023, at Carpenter House in Baton Rouge, LA. Born to Walter Sr. and Ethel LeCoq Smith on March 10,1940, Robert was reared in New Roads, LA on a tract of family land, known as “Funny Lot.” His deep ancestral ties to this land firmly rooted Robert to New Roads. As a young boy growing into manhood, he worked alongside his parents and siblings farming the family land. He had a passion for gardening and country life that he shared with his loving wife Lydia Bernice. For many years, Robert and Bernice enjoyed planting and harvesting vegetables to share with family and friends. Robert was educated in Pointe Coupee Parish schools and was a1960 graduate of Rosenwald High School. Many years later, he furthered his education at Southern University receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in elementary education. Having a family to support, Robert chose to forego a career in teaching and became a laborer. Over time, he worked in St. Francisville at the mat field before becoming employed with Crown Zellerbach (James River) Papermill where he worked until his retirement. Robert was actively involved in St. Augustine Catholic Church and the New Roads community. He was a lifelong member of St. Augustine, having received all sacraments of the laity. He regularly attended weekend mass until both his and Lydia’s health began to fail. Robert was a former president of St. Augustine Parish Council and was a member of Knights of Peter Claver Council #41. Additionally, Robert served as a member and president of the Community Center Carnival Club. In 1990, he reigned as the CCCC Mardi Gras King. As a young man, Robert worked alongside his father as a member of the NAACP fighting for civil rights. On November 24, 1960, Robert married his sweetheart Lydia Bernice Esco. To this union, five children were born: Cassandra, Monica, Mary, Robin, and Robert Jr. Together, they raised their children and were blessed with age and strength to enjoy the love and presence of their children and grandchildren. Robert beamed with pride whenever he spoke of his children and grandchildren. Spending time with his siblings and extended family always brought him much pleasure. His favorite pastime was sitting with friends and family recounting stories of growing up on “Funny Lot” and of youthful exploits. Holiday gatherings were highly anticipated events as that was a time for the Smiths to enjoy camaraderie and fellowship that only family togetherness could bring. Much like his siblings, Robert had a gift for storytelling that was legendary! He often regaled his grandchildren with stories that will undoubtedly live on with them to be told to the next generation. Robert spent his last years caring for the love of his life Bernice as her health declined. Unknown to everyone around him, he did so most valiantly and courageously while fighting his own battle with dementia. Upon her death, Robert was exceedingly sorrowful and heartbroken. As he entered into the bosom of the Lord, he surely looked for and had eyes only for his beloved Bernice. Robert’s passing leaves a tremendous void in the lives of his family and friends. He is survived by his children Cassandra Young of Phoenix, AZ, Monica (Wilton) Munnings of Coppell, TX, Mary Skinner of Scottsdale, AZ, Robin (Eddie) Variest of Ventress, LA, Robert Smith, Jr. of Huntsville, AL, and Ada Robinson of New Orleans, LA. Robert’s legacy lives on in his grandchildren Jalen Young, Walter Munnings, Christina Munnings, Peyton Skinner, Justin Skinner, Jordan Variest, Dallin Variest, Robert Smith III, Kiersten Smith, and Danielle Robinson. Robert leaves additional family members to cherish his memories, including siblings Geraldine (John) Turner, Sharon (Alton Sr.) Warr, and Raymond Michael Smith, Sr.; aunt Jeanette LeCoq; sisters-in-law Diane Smith, Jeanette Smith, Sarah Smith, Alice Smith, Margaret Celestine, and Albertha (Curtis) Brue; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives. In life, Robert experienced unmatched friendships with Victor amp; Judy Fiffie, Gail Hurst, Claude “CJ” Hurst, Jr., Mildred Duhe, and Wilmer Moore. Robert was preceded in death by his wife Lydia Bernice Esco Smith; parents Walter and Ethel Smith; siblings Walter Smith Jr., Tyrone Smith, Sr., Freddie Smith, Sr., Anthony Smith, Sr., and Clara Mae Smith; sisters-in-law Mary St. Charles and Elizabeth Louis; brothers-in-law Joseph Esco, Roy Esco, Lester Esco, Raymond St. Charles, and Joseph Louis. Public viewing and visitation will be held on Friday, July 21, 2023, 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM, at Verrette’s Pointe Coupee Funeral Home. Funeral mass, celebrated by Rev. Edward Chiffriller, SSJ, will be held on Saturday, July 22,2023, at 11:00 a.m., at St. Augustine Catholic Church, 809 New Roads Street, New Roads, LA. The Knights of Peter Claver Council #41 will conduct recitation of the rosary prior to the funeral mass. To honor the legacy established by Robert and Lydia Smith, donations may be made to Southern University Bayou Tri-Parish Alumni Chapter, Lydia Smith Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 362, Port Allen, LA 70767.
