Linda Sue Smith

On April 8, 2023, Linda Sue Gober Smith beloved wife, mother, and grandmother passed away surrounded by her family. Linda is survived by her husband of 61 years, Marcus, her children, Marc (Michelle), Dr. Kendall Shamas (Mark), Kelly Long (Lee), and Ruel; her grandchildren, Marcus Smith, IV, Lauren Smith, Gavin Smith, Mark Shamas, Jr., Elizabeth Shamas, Lee Long Jr. (deceased), Lindsey Long, William Long, Madison Champagne, and Ruel Smith, Jr., and her brother Ruel Gober, Jr. She is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews.  Linda is preceded in death by her loving parents, Ruel Richard Gober, Sr. and Mildred Lincoln Gober, her siblings, Gloria Fisher Mitchell and Herman Landry, Sr., and her precious grandson, Lee Edward Long, Jr. Linda lived her life for her faith and her family. She was a dedicated mother and doting grandmother. Family and traditions were very important to her, and she was happiest surrounded by family. Holidays were always a huge affair, filled with abundant laughter and love. Over the years, as the family grew, Linda would open her house up to more and more family and friends. She never wanted anyone to be alone during the holidays.  Her grandchildren were the light of her life.  “Mimi” loved her grandchildren unconditionally. They were her pride and joy.  She would light up at even the mention of their names. She travelled far and wide to attend their events. She never missed a Grandparents’ Day. Her legacy of love and steadfast faith will live on through them. Linda dedicated much of her life to her church, Christ the King. She was CYO Director for over 20 years.  She trained and worked with the Altar Servers for over 30 years. She took the Altar Servers on many trips – Chicago, Washington D.C., Houston, St. Louis, Disney World, and the Camp at Lake Hermitage. She conducted the Mother’s Day Altar Server Bake & Flower Sale for many years, sold Advent Wreaths, Right to Life Calendars, held Garage Sales & Craft Fairs. She took youth groups to Steubenville on the Bayou and Alexandria. She conducted retreats for youth and confirmation classes.  She orchestrated the Living Way of the Cross with the youth for many years, which everyone looked forward to each Lent. After Fr. Jose Ladra passed away, Linda took over transforming the cry room at Christ the King, every Christmas, into the “Little Town of Bethlehem” with the thousands of miniature pieces Fr. Jose had collected over the years, adding to the collection herself.  Throughout the years, she handled the licensing, permitting, insurance and security for the Parish Fairs and Special Events, on occasion driving to Baton Rouge to get the job done. Nothing was too much to ask of her in the name of Christ the King. Linda received the Order of St. Louis Award from the Archdiocese of New Orleans in 1996 – an honor so well-deserved.  After all the tragedy she had been through, she often said she had nothing left but her faith – yes, she was a devout, faith-filled lady. As Fr. Jose Ladra would say “she has moved to a better neighborhood.” Roberto, the church choir director said, “She is now in charge of the Angel Servers and will whip them all into shape.”  She changed the lives of hundreds of God’s children and led them closer to the Lord. We will never know all of the good deeds she did. She truly gave her all to Christ the King Parish and always did the right thing even if it was to cause her pain or grief. She was truly dedicated. When she was born, they truly broke the mold. Blessed was Christ the King parish to have someone as dedicated as she was.  Linda will be desperately missed by all those that she’s left behind. Our hearts are so broken by this loss. She was one of a kind and to be loved by her was to be truly blessed. Memorial contributions and donations may be made in memory of Linda, to Christ the King Catholic Church, Terrytown, Louisiana. Relatives and friends are invited to attend visitation on Saturday, April 29, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. at Christ the King Church, 535 Deerfield Road, Terrytown, followed by the mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. Following mass, interment will be at St. Joseph Abbey in Saint Benedict, Louisiana.  Family and friends may view and sign the online guest book at www.mothefunerals.com.