Virginia Lapeyrouse Smith, 82, passed away Friday, March 14, 2014 in New Iberia, LA. Friends are invited to gather in remembrance of her life from 9:00 to 11:00 AM Monday, March 17, at David Funeral Home in Jeanerette. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 AM. Interment will take place at Beau Pre' Cemetery following the service. Virginia was born in Jeanerette to on September 10, 1931. She graduated from Jeanerette High School, and attended Louisiana State University, Southwestern Louisiana Institute and Dominican College. She married Edward George "Ed" Smith, Jr., and they were parents to two children, Denise Smith Womack and Edward George "Ned" Smith, III. As a young woman, she joined with friends to create the Jeanerette Sewing Club. They met weekly for years, and then less frequently as they got older, but always remained good friends - hardly any of them sewed. Virginia worked with Ed in the management of their farm near Charenton until they retired in the 1990's. She continued to live on the farm until moving to New Iberia in 2009. Virginia and Ed shared a lifelong love of animals, especially the many beloved dogs that enriched their lives. She was, for many years, an avid horsewoman, tennis player, historic preservationist and gardener. A founding member of the St. Mary Parish Chapter of the Louisiana Landmarks Society, she served as the president and in other leadership roles during the organization's early years. Virginia is preceded in death by her husband Edward George Smith, Jr.; her parents Jean Pierre Lapeyrouse and Elma Bergeron Lapeyrouse; and her sister Jacqueline Lapeyrouse Box. She is survived by her son Edward George "Ned" Smith, III and his wife Rebecca "Becky", of Franklin; daughter Denise Smith Womack, and her husband Dan, of Lafayette; grandsons James Anthony, and wife Laura, and Jonathon Edward Smith, and fiancée Annie Kaufman; Great grandson, Austin Anthony Smith; sister, Mary Fay Freshley, and husband Bob; and brother, J.P. Lapeyrouse, Jr., and wife Camille. Memorials may be given to the St. Mary Parish Chapter of the Louisiana Landmarks Society or the animal rescue organization of one's choice. Virginia's family wishes to extend their sincere thanks to the staffs of New Iberia Manor South and Heart of Hospice, particularly her nurse Melody Coleman, for their compassionate care during her illness. Family and friends are welcome to sign the register book and/or express condolences at www.davidfuneralhome.org David Funeral Home of Jeanerette, 400 Provost St. (337) 267-5151 is in charge of the arrangements.
