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Rhonda Kay Smith, 66, met her Heavenly Father on Sunday, Aug. 14, 2022, surrounded by her family. Rhonda was born Oct. 9, 1955, in Tampa, Fla., to Charles Sullivan and Clara Varnado.

Rhonda enjoyed drawing, painting,and crocheting. She made sure that each of her grand babies had a teddy bear that she made personally for them. Rhonda got her joy in life from serving others and spending time with her children. She would neglect her own needs and desires to ensure that her children were happy.

On April 20, 1970, Rhonda received the Holy Ghost in Sheridan. Since that day, she has not wavered in her faith. Rhonda was a faithful member of Bogalusa First Church. She made sure that everyone knew how much she loved her Pastor (Travis Houston), and she adopted the Youth Pastor (Drew Galloway) as her grandson. Rhonda was more than just Sister Rhonda to the church members. Most called her Grandma Rhonda. She made them all feel special to her because they were, and she was special to them.

Rhonda spent her younger days working in cafeterias, restaurants, and teaching at schools. As a member of Bogalusa First Church, Rhonda would cook for every event. It was her pleasure to serve the families of the church she loved. There was never a time she was asked to help someone that she turned them down. Rhonda was a loving, caring, and giving woman.

Rhonda would tell her children, “I don’t have anything to leave you when I’m gone, but I can leave you a good name.” She did, Rhonda left her children and her church a legacy of love, faithfulness, and selflessness. Proverbs 22:1 — “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, loving favor rather than silver and gold.” If this is true and I believe it was, then Rhonda was the wealthiest person on earth!

Rhonda is survived by her loving children, Angela Tedder of Cottonwood, Ala., Talida Day of Varnado, Sherry Baughman of Columbia, Miss., Jason Smith of Bogalusa, Kristi Smith Guillen of Mobile, Ala., Jordan Smith of Montgomery, Ala., Jaycie Smith of Mobile, and Jaida Smith of Bogalusa; and her grandchildren, Tamra Hunt, Karlie Magee, Joseph Thomas, Hannah Johnston, Jazmine Bowden, Michael Baughman, Ethan Baughman, Katie McNeese, Blandon Smith, Braden Smith, Avery Smith, Lara Guillen and Alanna Guillen. She is also survived by a host of great-grandchildren.

Rhonda will be missed sorely by all who loved her, but the legacy of her good name will continue on through the many lives that she touched.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, Aug. 17, at 9 a.m., until time for the services at 1 p.m. at First Church of Bogalusa, with the Rev. Travis Houston officiating the services. Interment will follow at Pounds Cemetery.

To view and sign the guestbook, visit online at www.pooleritchiefuneralhome.com.