Lou Ella Smith

Lou E. Smith, affectionately known as Lou Ella, was born to the late Deacon Dorsey Smith, Sr. and the beautiful Mattie Smith on May 26,1946 in Quincy, Florida.  

Reared in a home where a reverence for God was the guiding principle by which she and her siblings were raised, Lou Ella learned the importance of sharing time and resources with family members and helping others to see their potential. Those experiences were instrumental in her decision to give her life to Christ at an early age. 

She joined St. Matthew Primitive Baptist Church at the age of 10 and she served as a dutiful member for 67 years. As a contributing member, she loved her church family and the surrounding community which she served faithfully until her earthly departure on September 30th at 1:54a.m. 

Lou Ella received her formal education in the Gadsden County School system, where she graduated with honors as a proud member of Carter Parramore High School’s Class of 1964. 

After graduation, she attended Gibbs Junior College in St. Petersburg, FL and later transitioned to Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University (FAMU). While traversing the ‘Highest of Seven Hills’, Lou Ella continued to impact those around her through her work with several student organizations and lending her voice to the school’s choir. A lifelong desire to bring equality to the underserved inspiredLou Ella’s decision to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work. 

Lou Ella’s career spanned 35 years and throughout those times, she actively served Gadsden, Jackson, Leon and Liberty counties as a Social Worker and Counselor for Florida’s Health & Rehabilitative Services (HRS), Children & Family Services, and Aging & Adult Services. 

Recognized for her energetic, vibrant and compassionate spirit and lauded for being a person of conviction, Lou Ella impacted the lives of those she encountered through straight forward conversations, humor, love and support. She engaged herself in numerous civic & community activities, school advisory councils, student mentoring initiatives and yearly scholarship drives designed to provide financial support to graduating high school students. 

She’s also a proud member of the Tau Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. 

Mourning her passing, yet rejoicing in her love and memory, is her daughter, Allysun “Nikki” Davis and her nephew/son, Reginald Smith (April).

Siblings: Dorsey Smith, Jr. (Thomasina), Lillie Smith Jackson, Betty Robinson (Hubert), Lousie Smith and Nathan Cunningham (Annie Doris). Sister in Love: Annie Pearl Smith Godchild: Monica James Williams Nieces and nephews who she affectionately referred as her babies: Yolanda Barber (Tiny), Glenda Warthen (Janae), Cheryl Jones (Lynn), Glynis Jackson, Kelli Harris, Christina Jackson Belin (Tina), Roderick Smith (Rick), Rodney Smith, Edrick Smith, Jacqueline Smith, Todd Smith, LaShae Hatcher (Shae) and Sylivia Manuel. 

She is also survived by a host of great nieces & nephews, cousins, family & friends.

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