Born on July 28, 1935, Shirley graduated from Joseph S. Clark High School before marrying Landry C. Smith, Jr., with whom she shared 58 years of marriage and raised a family. Her Catholic faith was a lasting part of her life. She was a faithful parishioner of St. Peter Claver Catholic Church and an active participant in the Knights of Peter Claver community and its women’s auxiliary.
Shirley knew how to enjoy herself. She loved traveling, spending time with her senior citizen group, trying her luck at the casino, listening to country music, and settling in for a good game of bingo. And she always appreciated something sweet: Lorna Doone cookies, strawberry milkshakes, and Creole Cream Cheese ice cream were among her favourites. Her life held room for faith, family, a little adventure, and a well-earned treat. And if The Oval or Survivor was on TV, you'd best not bother her. The same goes if her beloved New Orleans Saints were playing.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Landry C. Smith, Jr.; her son, Landry C. Smith III; her parents, Clarence Sr. and Alice Soublet Mathieu; her sisters, Dolores Pavegeau, Helena Weber, and Lois Reimonenq; and her brothers, Clarence Jr., Gilbert Sr., Leon, and Alvarez Mathieu.
Shirley’s memory will be cherished by her sons, Vergil J. Smith and Donovan J. Smith; her grandchildren, Landry C. Smith IV, Madyson Grace Smith, and Mateusz Pachocki; and her daughters-in-law, Dorothy, Cheryl, and Kasia.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to Sheryl Clayton, Zeta Hayes Gabriel, Mercedes Lewis, and Shirley Ali for their kindness, care, and support.
In lieu of flowers, please consider honouring Shirley’s memory with a donation to the Very Rev. Michael Jacques Endowment, which benefits students who reside in St. Peter Claver’s parish. Checks may be mailed to the Catholic Community Foundation, 7887 Walmsley Ave., New Orleans, LA 70125 or donate online at https://ccfnola.org/rev-jacques-endowment
Relatives and friends are invited to celebrate Shirley’s life at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd., New Orleans, on Monday, November 16, 2026. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m., followed by a Funeral Mass at 12 noon. Shirley will be laid to rest immediately afterward in All Saints Mausoleum on the grounds of Lake Lawn.
A repass will follow the entombment.
The Funeral Mass will be live-streamed at https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/c26116146288264
