Willie Mae Keller Smith

Willie Mae Keller Smith, 76, a native and resident of Vacherie, LA, passed away peacefully on Jan. 29, 2018. She was born June 1, 1941 to her late parents, Morris and Catherine Keller. She is survived by her two children: Mark Anthony Keller, Sr. and Mary Katherine Smith-Thomas; seven grandchildren: Kaisha, Sean and Haven Thomas; Markeisha and Mark Anthony Keller, Jr.; Malik Joseph and Kenneth Brown; two great-grandchildren: Chayson Gordon and Kai Thomas; and one godchild: Melan Smith. Also survived by three sisters: Susie St. Juniors of New Orleans, LA; Dorothy Roussel (Wilbert) of Edgard, LA; and Margaret Williams of Vacherie, LA; a brother: Larry J. Keller, Sr. (Gloria) of San Antonio, TX; sister-inlaw Jessie Mae B. Keller, and a host of relatives and friends. She was also preceded in death by her brothers: Clarence Byrd, Morris Keller, Jr., Charles Keller, Sr.; sister, Shirley Keller- Daughtry; godson, Keith Williams; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Willie Mae obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree from Southern University in Baton Rouge in 1966, and later earned her Master’s and Masters +30 from Nicholls State University. She retired from the St. John the Baptist Parish School System after 47 years of teaching. She was named Teacher of the Year, Reading Master Classroom Model Teacher and was recognized for her dedication to the 4-H Club. She was an active member of Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church where she served as president of the Gospel Choir, a lector and member of the Catholic Daughters. She was a mentor to many. Mass of Christian burial at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church at 11 a.m. on Sat., Feb. 3, 2018, celebrated by close personal friend Father Joshua Johnson, followed by interment in the church mausoleum. Recitation of the rosary at 9:30 a.m.