She was born on August 29, 1931 to the late Hiram and Louise Manning in Mittie LA. She moved to Lakes Charles to begin working in the cashier and food business, where she then met and married Ernest S. Smith.
Zelma was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Aunt and friend.
She enjoyed her family and friends and she will be dearly missed.
Zelma is survived by her sons, Woodrow Hamilton of Baton Rouge, LA, Roger Smith and wife, Mandy of Moss Bluff LA; daughters, Carnelia Neal and husband, Joey of Birmingham, AL, Debra Carbone and husband, Terry of Moss Bluff LA; grandchildren, Cory Hamilton, Holly Sue Gonzales, Michelle Grill, Scotty Brasseaux, Dawn Hamilton, Travis Hamilton, Ashly Organski, Jennifer DeMahy, Stefan, Dylana, and Bailey Smith; many more loving great-grandchildren. Also to cherish her memories are two nephews and one niece.
She was preceded in death by her wonderful husband, Ernest Smith and by her son Vernon (Butch) Hamilton. The family would like to express their thanks to the care givers, Harbor Hospice and the staff of Christus St. Patrick Hospital.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday March 7, 2018 at Hixson Funeral Home of Moss Bluff from 10am until 2pm. Services will be held on the same day at 2pm. Burial will follow at Ritchie Cemetery. Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.hixsonfuneralhomes.com