Lula Louise Cabbiness Smtih, 86, passed away Thursday, April 20, 2023 in Brownwood, Texas. She was born March 14, 1937 in Palacios, Texas to the late William Jennings Bryan Cabbiness and Mamie Allene Atkins Cabbiness. She was the youngest of three with an older sister and brother. She was also raised with her two older stepsisters.

Louise grew up on the Texas Coast most of her life and loved being on the water. She graduated from Palacios High School in 1955 after which she went to work for Bell Telephone. In 1956 she married the love of her life, Roy Alton Smith in a double ring ceremony with Roy's sister and brother-in-law. Their union was blessed with a daughter in 1957 and a son in 1959.

She was a very loving and attentive mother, who was very involved with her children and supportive of her husband's career. As her children grew, Louise was able to pursue other interests outside of her home. Working as a licensed cosmetologist, licensed florist, owning her own shop "La Bouquet by Louise", opening the first nursery school in Columbus, Texas and another successful nursery school in Port Isabel, Texas, "Jack and Jill Nursery".

As Roy's career took them once again to another town, San Benito, Texas, she gained employment with the San Benito Chamber of Commerce where she handled all of their public relations and organizing of events. Finally, before retiring, she worked 10 years with the San Benito Medical Association doing their public relations work and helping to recruit employees and patients.

During Roy and Louise's time with Central Power and Light Company, no matter where they lived, They both took a very active role in the community working with the Lions Club, Rotary Clug, Salvation Army, Cameron County Livestock Show, Crime Stoppers, Boy and Girl Scouts of America, Rotary International, Colorado County Horse Club and many more charitable organizations through the years.

Louise was the proud grandmother of 8 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. She always had a positive attitude and a smile on her face. She loved people and never met a stranger.

In 2004 she moved to Wimberley, Texas to be close to her family whom she dearly loved. Even during her time at Deer Creek Nursing and Redstone Assisted Living, she stayed involved with activities. She loved the Church family she found there as well. In 2021 she moved to Brownwood, Texas, once again to be close to her family.

Louise was preceded in death by her beloved husband Roy Smith; her parents Bryan Cabbiness and Allene Miller, in-laws Benny and Tressie Smith, brother Kenneth Cabbiness, sisters Johnie Mae Sunby and Mary Miller, granddaughter Caysha Crowder, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Bob and Dorothy Rawls and nephew Keith Rawls. She is survived by her son Bennie Bryan Smith of Millersview, Texas and daughter Janice Crowder and husband Randy of Doole, Texas; 7 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren, sister-in-law Shirley Burnett of Palacios, Texas, niece Revel Luce and husband Eddie of Moganton, Ga., and Gregory Beunet and wife Norma of Palacios, Texas and numerous other nieces and nephews, cousins and wonderful friends all of whom she loved very much and was so blessed to have them in her life.

Visitation will begin at 1:00 PM Saturday, May 6, 2023 at the Palacios Funeral Home. Funeral service will be at 2:00 PM with Paul Howard officiating. Interment will follow at the Palacios Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Chance Crowder, Chad Crowder, Caylub Crowder, Cade Crowder, Miles Troyer, Colby Crowder, Camden Crowder, Keygan Pitts-Troyer, Cole Crowder, Shooter Crowder, Mack Troyer and Braxton Crowder.