Dixie Josephine Grant Smythe

Dixie Josephine Grant Smythe, age 82, passed away at her home in Old Metairie on Monday, May 9, 2022 after a long battle with ankylosing spondylitis and a short, yet aggressive battle with ovarian cancer. Mrs. Smythe is finally at peace and pain-free.

Mrs. Smythe was known by several different names: Jo, Jody, Dixie, Dixie Jo, or Diddy. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 45 years, Arnold Robertson Smythe, Jr., known to many as "Smitty", her twin brother, Kenneth Edward Grant, and their parents, Henry Howard Grant and Dixie Jane Linthicum Grant of Ada, Oklahoma.

She is survived by her loving daughters, Sara Ansley Smythe Devlin and husband, Etienne, Karen Grant Smythe Breen and husband, Steven; her adored grandsons, Henry Patrick Breen and Sullivan Smythe Breen; her step-grandson, Noah James Devlin; her brother, Richard Henry Grant of Scottsdale, Arizona, four nephews, Mike, Brett, and Ken Floyd and Eddie Grant, two nieces, Lauren Smythe Bloodworth and Parker Smythe Kline, and numerous in-laws, and cousins.

Mrs. Smythe was a native of Ada, Oklahoma, and resided in the New Orleans area for the last 60 years. She attended East Central State College in Ada. She moved to Oklahoma City where she worked for an oil and gas company for several years. From there, she and a few girlfriends moved to New Orleans to live and work. It is in New Orleans where she met her husband, raised her family, and lived until her death. She embraced the rich culture and charm of the city, enjoying great food, music, and artwork.

Mrs. Smythe was a true people person. She was so much fun and had a fabulous sense of humor. She had a genuine gift of making everyone feel comfortable and was always there to listen to friends or family in need.

Mrs. Smythe was quite a talented artist - - especially in the media of watercolor and oil painting. She painted under June Lampe’s loving guidance for many years. Mrs. Smythe had a wonderful eye for color, design, and style. Many of her paintings were inspired by beautiful flowers and plants as well as the fantastic travels she enjoyed with her family.

Being a grandmother to her two precious grandsons who affectionately gave her the name “Diddy” was an absolute joy to her as they were a daily part of her life since the days they were born.

In honor of her wishes, a private memorial will be held at a later date. The family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff of Compassus Hospice and Tammy Griffin for their compassion and excellent care.

In Dixie's memory, please consider a donation to Metairie Park Country Day School at

https://mpcds.myschoolapp.com/page/giving/give-online?siteId=865&ssl=1

or the

Spondilitis Association of America at

https://spondylitis.org/get-involved/donate/

To view and sign the guest book, please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com