Denise Wakeford Smith

Memorial services for Denise Smith will be held Thursday, March 16, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Briarwood Baptist Church, Reverend Jamie Lamoreaux will be officiating with Robert Barham Family Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Denise Wakeford Smith, 56, died on March 11, 2017. To list her as a loving wife, mother and grandmother would be mediocre and she was anything but. While not known for worldly achievements, her greatest accomplishments were in the titles her friends and family bestowed upon her. Neeser, Momma, Nana, and Momma D. She found pleasure in life’s simple things and had a true fondness for Diet Coke, four letter words, and watching Survivor. She had an infectious laugh and a sarcastic tongue. She loved everyone-except those who ticked her off. And because she had little drama in her own life, she lived through others and created her own. She collected fat cats and porcelain dolls. She was an amazing cook even though she found donuts and boxed macaroni and cheese an acceptable dinner. She was artistic and creative though her sense of fashion was lacking. She loved and was loved by her husband of 35 years. Their bond was filled with laughter, fun, sickness and health, but above all, an unbending love. While she biologically only had two children, she was a Momma and Nana to all. She wasn’t an overly religious type, but she believed in something greater than herself and found comfort in talking to God in her final days. While she was mad for having to go too soon and in such a painful way, she found comfort in knowing God would call her home. Her pain is over, but ours has really just begun. We are comforted knowing she is no longer hurting, but now we must begin the painful process of grieving and dealing with the social security administration. She hated the heat of Mississippi and the cold snow of Montana, so of course she has asked to be cremated and spread in both states—she finally figured out a way to get dad to travel.

Denise will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 35 years Willard Ray Smith; daughters Dezarae Wakeford-Smith (Jeff Gordon), Krista Smith LeBrun (Patrick) and Melissa Smith (Michael Riley); grandchildren Elijah Wakeford-Smith, Alexza Wakeford-Smith, Jamond Gordon, and Lorelei LeBrun; father James Wakeford; brothers Jason (Trish), Daniel, Michael, and Ole; sister Mary; best friend Tana Ostlie; numerous nieces, nephews, and many friends and family near and far.

She is preceded in death by her mother Marilyn Gratton Wakeford; brother Bruce Wakeford; and grandson Josiah Wakeford-Smith.

Visitation will be held at Briarwood Baptist Church 8733 Hillview Drive Meridian, MS 39305 at 10:00am on Thursday, March 16, 2017. Services to immediately follow.