Lucille Allen Smith

Lucille Allen Smith, 92, of Fannett, passed away Wednesday, September 29, 2021, at The Medical Center of Southeast Texas, Port Arthur, after a brief illness. She was born January 1, 1929, in Merryville, Louisiana, to Bertie Elvie Lanier Willett and James Thomas Willett. She was the oldest daughter of seven siblings.

Lucille was affectionately known as Mom, Nenaw, Aunt Lucy, and Lou. She married William Ronald Allen, Sr. on August 2, 1947. Like many others, Ronald began working at the Texaco Refinery Co. They made their home together in Port Arthur where they raised their children.

In her earlier years, Lucille was a stay-at-home mom until she began providing childcare to other young children. She later began a career in clothing retail sales and management having been employed with Evan Sturges; R. Harland’s; K-Mart; and Dryden’s Department Store. Lucille also worked with Margie Dismukes at Joey’s Candies and Gift Shop. Eventually, she and her niece, Brenda Hardy, opened an antique and gift shop called KayLou Collectibles. Lucille and Ronald would travel to craft shows under the name “Luv n Lou”. Her interests took a turn when Ronald developed brain cancer. She devoted her time caring for him until his passing on September 8, 1990.

Lucille married Lonnie Owen Smith on September 25, 1993, and they made their home together in both Fannett and Nederland. They were devoted members of Hillcrest Baptist Church. On February 4, 2002, Lonnie also passed away.

Lucille loved the Lord and studying His word. She believed in J.O.Y. which was an acronym for Jesus first, Others next, and You last. Lucille wanted to love the Lord first and foremost, serve others well, and then care for herself last even if it meant going without so that others could be blessed. One of the greatest ways she put others before herself was demonstrated in how well she loved her family.

Survivors include her children, Virginia “Jenny” Louise Olbrich, of Port Arthur; Rhonda Sue Dismukes and husband, Jim, of Fannett; Bill Allen and wife, Lou, of Brownwood; step-son, Lonnie Wade Smith, of Fannett; grandchildren, Gina Louise Dorsey and husband, Scott; Amber Denise Seward; Ron Fuller Dismukes; Alyssa Jill Dismukes; Kristen Michelle Horton and husband, Luke; and Matthew Robert Allen; great-grandchildren, Spenser Dorsey and wife, Alyssa; Tyler Dorsey; Jason Seward; Blake Seward; Claudia Dismukes; Audrey Dismukes; Logen Licatino; Raylan Dismukes; Lilly Dismukes; Pierce Horton; and Lauren Horton; great-great-granddaughter, Emma Dorsey; and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents; first and second husbands, Ronald Allen and Lonnie Smith; siblings, George Foch Willett; Kenneth Kenzie Willett; Maxie Rae Seaman; Slomie Marie Miller; Rebecca Lee Langley; and Overton Addison “O.A.” Willett; son-in-law, Marvin Edward Olbrich; and stepdaughter-in-law, Louise Smith.

The family would like to extend their sincerest gratitude to Paula Tallant and the staff of Community Retirement Home, Port Arthur and the Amedisys Hospice Care staff for their compassionate care of Lucille.

A gathering of Mrs. Smith’s family and friends will be 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., Sunday, October 3, 2021, at Broussard’s, 505 North 12th Street, Nederland. Her funeral service will be 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 5, 2021, at Broussard’s, with her interment to follow at Oak Bluff Memorial Park, Port Neches.

Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church, 17019 Highway 124, Beaumont, Texas 77705 or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105.

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