Patricia Treadway Smith

Funeral Services will be held at 12:00 Noon, Monday, May 16, 2011, at First Baptist Church in Lafayette for Mrs. Patricia Treadway Smith, 82, who died on Friday, May 13, 2011. Doctor Steve Horn, Pastor of First Baptist Church, will officiate. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Mrs. Smith was born in Natchitoches, Louisiana, July 19, 1928 to Volela and James Ernest Treadway. After moving with her family from Natchitoches to Jennings, she attended school there. It is in Jennings where she met the love of her life, Alvin Smith. They were married in 1944, and at the time of his death just four months prior to hers, they had been married for nearly 67 years. It was in 1950, upon moving their young family to Lafayette, when Mr. and Mrs. Smith entered into that phase of their lives of raising a family and building a business. While Mr. Smith concentrated heavily in business affairs, Mrs. Smith focused her attention on the children's day-to-day needs and activities. However, Mrs. Smith was no stranger to the business world. She was very active for many years in the family business, the 7-Up Bottling Company (today known as Acadiana Bottling Company). She served on the Board of Directors and she was very instrumental in many of the decisions made in the business. One thing for sure, she and Mr. Smith always put their family first and they had an exceptional ability for balancing their family and business activities. As her life progressed and as her children began their own families, Mrs. Smith became more involved in various religious and community organizations and activities. Her life truly revolved around her family, friends, church, community and business. She was a member of the First Baptist Church, she served as Chaplain of the P.E.O. (Chapter Y), and she served on the board of the Acadiana Symphony. She and Mr. Smith were avid supporters of and contributors to the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. In fact, in the lobby of the UL Athletic Complex is a plaque honoring Patricia and Alvin Smith. Mrs. Smith was the friendliest and kindest person anyone could meet. She always had a smile on her face, and always wanted to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. She loved life to the fullest, and never complained about anything. Anyone who knew Mrs. Smith knows that she is the type of person who could always find the best in anyone. She is survived by her four children, Bobbie Smith, Larry Smith and wife Kay Harrison Smith, Dennis Smith and wife Mary Lee Smith, and Dale Smith and wife Felicia Lagneaux Smith. She is also survived by sixteen grandchildren, Mark Baker, Patricia Harper, Alison Ray, Jason Smith, Rebecca Ventre, Jessica Cook, Elizabeth Smith, Dennis Smith Jr., Matthew Smith, Michael Smith, Stephen Smith, Brandy Girouard, Ronnie Frazz Smith, Austin Smith, Kellie Breaux and Caitlin Caldwell. She is also survived by fourteen great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Alvin Smith, her parents, and sisters Erline Bridges and Katie Lyons. The family would like to thank Dr. David Baker and The Heart Hospital for their excellent care, Caring Touch Sitting Agency, especially Amanda, Cindy, Delores, and Patrina for their love, support and excellent care of Mrs. Smith. Pallbearers will be Mrs. Smith's eight grandsons: Mark Baker, Jason Smith, Dennis Smith Jr., Matthew Smith, Michael Smith, Stephen Smith, Ronnie Smith and Austin Smith. Visitation will be observed on Monday, May 16, 2011, at First Baptist Church, 1100 Lee Avenue, Lafayette, from 9:00 am until the time of service at 12:00 Noon. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Acadiana Symphony and First Baptist Church. Personal condolences may be sent to the Smith family at www.delhommefuneralhome.com. Delhomme Funeral Home, 1011 Bertrand Drive, Lafayette, LA, is in charge of funeral arrangements.

Patricia Treadway Smith

July 19, 1928 - May 13, 2011