Sallie Coco Smith

Sallie Coco Smith passed away peacefully Friday, March 12, 2021 at home in Richmond, Texas just days before her 89^th birthday. She was a vivacious lady with a sense of humor that would brighten everyone’s day. Mom believed that faith, family and friends were the 3 pillars to life, and she exhibited this daily.  She loved good music, great food, dancing, sewing, traveling and mischief not in any particular order. She had a brilliant mind and a huge heart which were evident in her love of teaching children and helping those in need.

Mom was born on March 15, 1932 to Philo and Nell Campbell Coco, and grew up in Marksville, La. along with big brother, Steve; they were joined later by their sister, Ann.  Mom loved telling childhood stories about “the big white house” where they were raised, and she danced with her Daddy in the hall (and rode her bike in the hall when he wasn’t looking).  After graduating from Sophie Newcomb College in New Orleans, she moved to Shreveport, La. where she met our Dad, Duncan M. Smith, Jr. who had recently completed law school. They married and eventually moved to Lafayette, La., where they would settle to raise their 5 children.  We will cherish forever the many wonderful memories made there.

Mom believed that education was the key to unlocking a person’s abilities and worked tirelessly to improve educational and social systems in Lafayette Parish. As the first female member of Lafayette Parish School Board, she fought passionately for all students in the public school district and was involved in numerous educational committees at the local, state and national level. After moving to the Houston/Sugar Land area to be closer to her children, she continued her involvement in church, community and other activities.

Her passing marks the end of an unforgettable era, leaving a plethora of wonderful, funny, happy memories. She would tell us often that she had “lived a good life” which she did.

Mom is survived by her children: Duncan M. Smith III, Sherrill Rothmier (Mike), Allison Hartzell (Matt), Ashley Kennedy (Brian) and Stuart Smith (Michelle). Grandchildren: Taylor Kauffman (Paige and great granddaughter, Ella), Carter Kauffman and Madeline Bares; Sarah, Grace and Beebs Hartzell; Taylor, Mason and Kaity Kennedy; and Laurin and Stuart Smith plus Brandon, Trevor and Jonathan Costello. As Mom entered the Pearly Gates, she was greeted by our Dad and her brother Steve, along with her Momma and Daddy – a reunion she looked forward to. In fact, she remarked more than once that “your Daddy (Duncan) better rest in peace because he will have no peace when I get there.”

In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to the Louisiana Methodist Children’s Home in Ruston, La or the Salvation Army.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 20 with visitation at 2:00pm and a remembrance service at 3:00pm at First Baptist Church, 502 South Fifth Street, Richmond, TX  77469.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to E.P. Compean Funeral Directors, “Our Family Serving Your Family”, 1223 Sixth St., Rosenberg, TX. 77471, 281-238-4443.