Deverney Freeman Smith

Deverney, the eldest child of the late Jason C. Freeman Sr. and Ellen Poindexter Freeman, was born on June 21, 1941, in New Orleans, LA. She was a beloved sister to Joyce F. Spruille and Jason C. Freeman Jr.

Deverney received her education in the public schools of New Orleans Parish and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in 1960. Following high school, she attended Dillard University, where she graduated from the New Orleans School of Health Careers with a diploma in Practical Nursing. Deverney dedicated 25 years of her career to serving as a dialysis nurse. After her retirement, she continued to give back to the community by volunteering as a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) for children in Jefferson Parish County and the Jefferson Parish School System.

On June 24, 1967, Deverney married the love of her life, Wilson (Tony) Smith. Together, they were blessed with two children, Toni Natasha and Todd Freeman Smith, Sr.

Deverney accepted Christ as her savior and was baptized at Pilgrim Progress Missionary Baptist Church by the late Rev. Dr. John Francis Jr. in 1959. She was an active member of the senior choir #2 and a Sunday school teacher at Pilgrim Progress. Later, she joined Williams Boulevard Baptist Church in Kenner, LA, where she served as a praise team member and choir singer under the late Rev. Buford Easley.

In 2005, after Hurricane Katrina, Deverney moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and became a member of Nazarene Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. K. Marshall. She eventually returned to Kenner, Louisiana, joining Life Center Cathedral under the pastorate of Bishop Douglas J. Wiley. At the time of her passing, she was a dedicated member of Oakland Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Charles Hurst.

Deverney Freeman Smith transitioned from labor to reward on Wednesday, August 28, 2024. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jason C. Freeman, Sr. and Ellen Poindexter Freeman, and her husband, Wilson (Tony) Smith, Sr. She leaves to cherish her memory her two children, daughter Toni Natasha Lomax and son Todd Freeman Smith, Sr., both of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; grandchildren Beonca A. Bowman, Gabrielle E. Buggage, Todd Freeman Smith, Jr., and Marcus Smith; and great-grandchildren Khloe and Israel Bowman. She is also survived by her sister Joyce Spruille and brother Jason C. Freeman, Jr., as well as two stepdaughters, Sharon Garrison and Kerri George; two stepsons, Wilson (Jody) Smith, Jr. and Antonio Jones; sister-in-law Bessie Givens; two nieces, one nephew; three devoted friends, Manulitta Curry, Dora Stewart, and Nancy Forbes; and a host of other relatives, cousins, and friends.

Deverney was a devoted wife, loving mother, proud grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her warmth, compassion, and unwavering faith touched the lives of many. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Deverney Smith will be remembered as a beacon of light and love, whose memory will forever remain in our hearts. May she rest in peace.

A visitation for Deverney will be held Friday, September 13, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd, New Orleans, Louisiana 70124, followed by a memorial service at 12:00 PM, inurnment thereafter at Lake Lawn Park, 5454 Pontchartrain Blvd, New Orleans, Louisiana 70124, with a reception to follow at Lake Lawn Metairie's Event Center.