LORENE WICKS SMATHERS

August 18, 1927 – November 13, 2016
Funeral services for Lorene Wicks Smathers will be held Friday, November 18, 2016, at 10 a.m. at Ibert’s Mortuary in Franklin. She will be laid to rest in the Franklin Cemetery. Rev. Dr. Chris Holloway will conduct the services. A gathering of family and friends will be held Thursday at Ibert’s from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. and again Friday beginning at 9 a.m.
Lorene is survived by her husband of 58 years, Byron P. Smathers, Sr.; daughter, Catherine S. Mire and her husband Ted J. Mire, Jr.; her sister, Mary Peacock; brother, Jim Wicks; and her dog Rex.
Mrs. Smathers was blessed with six grandchildren; three grandsons, Michael A. “Mike” Smathers, Sr. and his wife Jennifer, Brian K. Gautreaux and his wife Jean, and Logan P. Mire; and three granddaughters, Linda L. Smathers, Andrea D. Smathers, and Ashley M. Uze and her husband Charles. She also knew the joy of three great-grandsons, Michael A. Smathers, Jr., Connor A. Simoneaux, and Collin D. Simoneaux; as well as numerous nieces and nephews who held a special place in her heart.
She was preceded in death by her sons Michael E. “Mickey” Smathers and Daniel W “Danny” Smathers; and her step-son Byron P. “Phil” Smathers, Jr. She nurtured her family through the challenges of life and the heartache of loss and always kept her sweet smile. She fought back through many difficult health challenges over the years and never lost her positive attitude. Her family was her greatest joy and she treasured a close, loving relationship with each of them.
Mrs. Smathers was a Veteran of WWII and served in the Women’s Army Corps as a Medical Technician. She obtained the rank of Technical Sergeant and was a member of the American Legion Post 81 in Melbourne, FL.
Mrs. Smathers has been many things in life, a Daughter, Sister, Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Beautician, a 16 year old Army Nurse to honor her brother’s sacrifice in WWII, and a 15 year old Ammunition Factory worker during WWII. She, along with her husband, was a 32 year resident of Franklin, LA where they owned the Montgomery Ward Catalog Store, Acadia Rent All, The Drink Factory, and Budget Furniture.
Mrs. Smathers was an enthusiastic New Orleans Saint’s fan, and enjoyed a long winning streak on the slot machines at Cypress Bayou. Her family will continue the tradition of baking her special Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe that has been in our family for over 80 years. Having been raised on a farm in Texas, she was an avid gardener who continued to grow tomatoes year-round at her home in Florida.
Because of Mrs. Smathers love of children, the family asks that donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital be considered in her honor.
Family and friends may view the obituary and express their condolences online by visiting www.iberts.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Ibert’s Mortuary, Inc., 1007 Main Street, Franklin, LA 70538, (337) 828-5426.