Maryetta E. Chilson Smith died Saturday Apr. 26, 2025 at Harbor Hospice in Lake Charles.

She was born in Baton Rouge and shortly after, the family made Lake Charles their home. She was a graduate of Lake Charles High School and McNeese State University.

She began her career in healthcare working at St. Patrick Hospital. She then began working with Dr’s Sorkow and Shorts and for Dr. John Cocchiara. After working for Dr. Cocchiara for many years, she began a career in the nursing home industry and in hospital administration.

She was a Baptist and member of Grand Lake Community Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Fred Jerome and Mary Earle Chilson.

She is survived by her husband, Roger E. Smith of Sweetlake; daughter Melissa and son-in-law Mark Hamilton of Lake Charles; brother James of Slidell; seven grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren; and two great grandchildren on the way.

Burial will be alongside her Father in a private service at Prien Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to nursing home residents with limited resources or to a charity of your choice.

Cremation has been entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home in Lake Charles.