Janelle Smith

Janelle Marie Gremillion Smith, age 63, of Hessmer, Louisiana, left this world peacefully on June 7, 2026.

Visitation will be held on Monday, June 15th, 2026, 9:00AM until 11:00AM in the Chapel of Escude Funeral Home of Mansura.

Funeral Mass for Janelle Smith will take place at the St. Alphonsus Catholic Church on Monday, June 15th, 2026 beginning at 11:30AM with Fr. Kenneth Michiels officiating.

In accordance with Janelle’s wishes, entombment in the mausoleum will take place at a later date in a private family ceremony.

Janelle loved her children and grandchildren above all else. They were the heart of her world, her constant pride, and her greatest joy. She lived a life of selflessness and generosity, always on the go, always offering help, and always giving to anyone in need. She donated quietly, helped freely, and lived simply, never seeking recognition or expecting anything in return. If someone was in need, Janelle found a way to help, no questions asked.

She was loud in the best way possible. Her presence was unmistakable, her voice unforgettable, and her heart far larger than she ever made it seem. She was widely known as one of the most caring and generous people anyone could ever come across, someone whose kindness was not just spoken about but lived out every day.

She is now joyfully reunited with her parents, whom she missed dearly, Rudolph Paul Gremillion and Bertha Boniol Gremillion.

She leaves behind her two children: her daughter, Ashley Gaspard (David) of Hessmer, Louisiana, and her son, Shane Smith (Becki) of Littleton, Colorado; her siblings, Carmen Lemoine (Chris) of Pineville, Louisiana; Blaine Gremillion (Rhonda) of Mandeville, Louisiana; Laura Chenevert of Natchitoches, Louisiana; and Cliff Gremillion (Tracey) of Angola, Louisiana; and her four grandchildren, Jolie Gaspard, Pierce Gaspard, Parker Smith, and Lincoln Smith.

She is also survived by her companion of 23 years, Danny W. Patton, and his children and grandchildren, whom she loved as her own family. She also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers honored to serve will be Cody Gremillion, Alex Gremillion, Brady Gremillion, Landon Smith, Joey Ledet, and Steven Patton.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Escude Funeral Home in Mansura, LA (6608 Porterie St.).