Jonnie Lela Smith

Jonnie Smith, also affectionately known to her loved ones as "Mee Mee" and "Grandma Mee Mee," passed away peacefully on Friday, June 26, 2026. She was a devoted mother, a cherished grandmother and great-grandmother, and a deeply loved friend to many.

Known for her dedicated service to her community, Jonnie was a longtime school bus driver for Calcasieu Parish, where she safely guided and cared for generations of children on buses 643, 306, and 574. Beyond her work, her life was defined by the deep love she had for her family and the lasting friendships she forged along the way.

Survivors

Jonnie leaves behind a rich legacy through her family, who will miss their "Mee Mee" and "Grandma Mee Mee" dearly:

1. Children: Joyce Smith Frederick and her partner Mark Miller of Vinton, LA; Scotty Smith and her beloved baby, Little Bit, of Fort Worth, TX.
2. Grandchildren: Haley LeJuene and her fiancé Jordan Gary of Bridge City, TX; Hunter Frederick, currently stationed in Clarksville, TN.
3. Great-Grandchildren: Laytin Decuir, Mathew Granger, Ryley LeJuene, Ryder LeJuene, Braxton Gary, and Blakey Gary.
4. Siblings: Her brother, Bob Bennett of Colton, CA, and her sister, Connie Jones of Highland, CA.
5. In-Laws: Brother-in-law Steve Smith and sister-in-law Pam Smith of Vinton, LA.

She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Preceded in Death

Jonnie is reunited in peace with her loved ones who went before her:

1. Her beloved husband, Dennis Smith.
2. Her mother, Betty Bennett, and her father, John Pruitt.
3. Her grandmother, Ophelia Pruitt.

Pall bearers will be

Rocky Smith

Dustin Smith

Baylor Smith

Brock Smith

Gray Smith

Beau Smith

Eli Smith

Beck Smith

Honorary Pallbearers will be

Mathew Granger

Ryder LeJuene

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Thank you to Christie Frazier and Cherished Years for making her time at camp so memorable.

Also, to the team at Southeast Texas Hospice and Dr. Michael Amsden MD for their care and direction.

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Visitation will be Tuesday at 5:00pm - 8:00 pm at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange.

Service will be Wednesday at 10:00am at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange.

A graveyard service will follow in Vinton at Nibletts Bluff Cemetery