Funeral services for Thelma Sturgeon Smith, 89, of Shreveport and formerly of Alto, were held Saturday, March 28, 2009, at the Alto Baptist Church, Alto, LA with the Rev. David Shirley officiating.

Interment followed in the Mulhearn Memorial Park Mausoleum in Monroe, LA under the direction of Mulhearn Funeral Home of Rayville.

Thelma Smith was born December 7, 1919 in Franklin Parish, LA and passed away March 21, 2009 in Shreveport after a lengthy illness. Her parents were Lois Hopkins Sturgeon and James Lesley Sturgeon. She lived most of her life in Richland Parish where she was a homemaker and active member of the community. She was married to Marvin L. Smith who preceded her in death. She was particularly involved in the Alto Baptist Church where she was a member for many years. She had also been a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and the Alto Garden Club.

In addition to her community service activities, she was a tirelessly creative person.

Among her pursuits were sewing, flower arranging, baking, painting, and gardening. She is fondly remembered by all who knew her for her talents in these areas.

Survivors included three sons, Donald R. Smith, MD (Kathy) of Shreveport, Jerry M. Smith (Charlotte) of Dubai, UAE, and Kenneth Smith of Evanston, IL; one brother, Edgar Graham (Rose) of Farmerville; seven grandchildren, Donna Reese, Dane E. Smith, MD, Keith Smith, MD, Kevin Smith, MD, Elainea Smith, Kimberly Carbajal, and Dana Bader; fifteen great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Her grandchildren served as pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, National Office, 225 N. Michigan Ave. Floor 17, Chicago IL 60601-7633.