Gail Ann Smith

In an effort to comply with the CDC recommendations to cancel/postpone events with 50 or more people for 8 weeks, and imploring people to stay home and limit social interaction, no public funeral services will be conducted at this time. 

For individuals wishing to view the body, a walk-through viewing will be conducted on Thursday, March 19, 2020 in the chapel of Jones Funeral Home 1101 Main Street Franklin, LA from 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm. A rosary will be prayed at 7:00 pm led by Terry Burgess. Gail will be entombed in the St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery Mausoleum.

A  native  and  lifelong  resident  of  Patterson,  Louisiana,  Gail  Ann Verdun was born on November 3, 1947, in Franklin, LA, to the union of Espie and Shirley Verdun. She was one of three girls born to this marriage. Gail was educated in the St. Mary Parish School System and later graduated. After high school, Gail  began  her  professional  career  at  Lakewood  Hospital,  now  Ochsner  St.  Mary,  in  Morgan  City,  as  a  Licensed  Practical  Nurse.  She  later  worked  for  Patterson  Healthcare,  taking  care  of  all  of  her  “little  people,”  as  she  called  them,  until her retirement. Gail always had medical advice for her family and friends. She was feisty and loved to shop. She had a gift for every occasion, both ready and waiting. Gail had a loving, Christian heart and always put her family and friends first. She loved angels. Gail was parishioner of the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Patterson. On July 12, 1985, Gail united in Holy matrimony to Howard M. Smith, Jr. She was a devoted wife,  mother,  sister,  grandmother,  great-grandmother,  aunt,  and the Williams Street area nurse.

Gail was preceded in death by her first husband, Paul Richard Collins,  and  her  parents,  Espie  and  Shirley  Verdun,  all  of  whom await her Heavenly arrival.

Gail is survived by: her husband of thirty-five years, Howard M.  Smith,  Jr.,  of  Patterson,  LA;  her  sons,  Toby  Collins  (Leisha)  of  Verdunville,  LA,  and  Jason  Collins  (Beth)  of  Youngsville,  LA;  other  children  to  her  marriage  to  Howard  Jr.,  including  Howard  M.  Smith  III  (Shyra)  of  Mansfield,  TX, Chavvon Smith (Larissa) of Colleyville, TX, Kea Golden (David)  of  Burleson,  TX,  Chaunva  LeCompte  (James)  of  Burleson,  TX,  and  Dwayne  Jennings  of  Dallas,  TX;  her  grandchildren, Sydni Collins, Tyler Collins, Hannah Collins, Layla   Collins,   Chetne   Brown,   Destiny   Golden,   Racheal   Golden,  Chegan  McZeal,  Sharlie  Cruz,  Marca  Walker,  Tres  Murry, Calen Harty, Landon LeCompte, Caden Smith, Jaren Smith, Jaelyn Smith, Jace Smith, and Brice Smith; five great-grandchildren; two sisters, Elaine Vining (Ricky) and Susan Murray  (Ronald),  all  of  Patterson,  LA;  and  many  cousins,  godchildren, and friends.

Gail will always be remembered in our hearts. Her belief in God supported her in life and will ultimately give her peace.

The family would like to thank Ocshner ALS Clinic, Nursing Care of Morgan City, and Heart of Hospice.