Lula Bell Smith

Lula Bell Smith was born on July 15, 1920 and departed from this life on November 16, 2011. Mrs. Smith was born in Grand Bay, Alabama to the late George and Mary Sheppard. She attended school in Grand Bay, Alabama. Mrs. Smith was a resident of Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. Additionally, she was an active member of First Baptist Church, where she served as secretary. While in Bay St. Louis. Mrs. Smith was a devoted mother and stressed the importance of education to her children. As a result of this commitment to her children, she sat on the Board of the Parent Teacher’s Association. She moved to Las Vegas in 1963. Upon her arrival to Las Vegas, Mrs. Smith worked as an environmental supervisor at the Fremont Hotel. She retired from the hotel in 1978.

In 1939, she married James Quincy Smith. From this union, five children were born. Her husband James preceded her in death. She is also preceded in death by one son, Ulyless Sheppard; seven brothers, David Sanders, Earl Sanders, Clarence Mosley, Walter Sheppard, Leon Sheppard and Alphonse Sheppard; one granddaughter, Gwendolyn Smith; and two great-grandchildren, Bailee GeNae Peters and Willard Otis Peters, Jr.

Mrs. Smith leaves behind her four children, James (Verily) Smith, Sr. (Anniston, Alabama); Genie Smith Marshall; Marion (Veronica) Smith, Sr.; and Lillian Smith Jones all of Las Vegas, Nevada, to cherish her memory. She also leaves behind three sisters, T. Miller Thompson (Pascoula, Mississippi); Mary Parker (Bay. St. Louis, Mississippi); and Corrine Forrest (Moss Point, Mississippi). Furthermore, Mrs. Smith is mourned by her 17 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren, and 2 great- great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind a host of devoted nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

Mrs. Smith gave her life to the Lord at a very early age. She was a very strong woman. Her life embodied the righteousness and love of God. She taught her children to be humble and to fear God. She was their role model and the driving force behind her family… a mentor to them all.