Annie (Smith) Lafayette

Annie Merle Lafayette was born on June 11, 1945 in Cason, Texas to Henry and Lottie Smith.  She was the youngest daughter of 12 children. Merle accepted Christ in her life at an early age at Shady Grove Baptist Church and was a faithful and active member. She attended J.J. Rhodes High School.

On February 7, 1963, she married James Edward “Chucka” Lafayette and they were blessed to enjoy 42 years of matrimony.  To this union two children were born Pamela and Miyoshi.  Through the years Merle was employed at Pilgrim Pride and Lone Star Steel before later retiring from Atlas Roofing.  After retirement, she continued to serve her community by working in the cafeteria at Daingerfield Junior High, where she enjoyed interacting with students and staff each day.

She was a servant to her community in the truest sense of the word.  Each week she faithfully visited different food pantries, gathering groceries and essentials for friends and family in the community.  After gathering the food, she would return home and separate items into individual portions.  She was always thoughtful and attentive, taking care to separate items according to each person’s individual preference.   She never sought recognition or praise; her reward was being a blessing to her community.  Her heart was rooted in service and her generosity became a quiet pillar of strength within the community.

She along with Ms. Mims of Morris County Collaborative worked side by side to assist families in the community who were in need of home improvements.  Whether it was providing new windows, installing new flooring, she was always willing to lend a hand.  In one special instance, she helped a family secure a brand new home.  Her generosity and compassion made a lasting impact on many lives.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband James “Chucka” Lafayette, as well as her parents, Henry and Lottie Smith; one step-son Mark Duffey.  Annie also mourned the loss of two sisters Vera Edmond and Rachel Edmond, and nine brothers L.W. Smith, Paul Harris Smith, Augusta Smith, John Calvin Smith, William Smith, Sr., Henry Smith, Jr, Willie Smith, Richard Smith and Mc Author Smith.

Annie legacy lives on through her two daughters Pamela (Garry) Thomas of Garland, Miyoshi (Troy) Shelvin of Princeton. Her eight grandchildren Mytisha Lafayette, Morgan Thomas, Quentin  (Chelsea) Evans, Javonti  (Keshia) Evans, Tyler Thomas, Kendrick Wilkerson, Kemia (Cody) Williams and Kennion Duffey two great-grand children Myrical Terry and Junior Evans. She is survived by two sister-in-laws Clara Smith of Southfield, MI, Ethel Smith of Tyler, TX a special niece Vera Ellison of Cason, along with a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends who will cherish her memory.

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