Daisy Eileen Gates Smith

Daisy Eileen Gates Smith, a lifelong resident of Livingston died July 9, 2026. She was born November 25, 1926, to the late Henry Gates and Pearl Sickles Gates. She was an honor graduate of Doyle High School. As a member of the “Greatest Generation”, she worked diligently for the war effort on the “home front” as her future husband fought in the Pacific during WWII. On August 23, 1947, she married Charley Ross Smith. Their lives served as a wonderful example for their family as they both worked hard, lived for the Lord, and loved their family and friends. Daisy was a charter member of Bethel Baptist Church, an honorary lifetime member of the Livingston Parish Fair Association, and a retired clerk of the parish health unit in Livingston.

She was preceded in death by her husband: Charley; her parents: her mother-in-law: Inez Lard; a son-in-law: Kenny Barksdale; four sisters: Bea Hood, Pearl McDonald, Lucy Brister, and Goldie Breland; and one brother: Al Gates.

She is survived by her daughters: Jennifer Smith Goodwin and Cynthia S. Barksdale Dill (John); her son: Keith Russell Smith; her beloved grandchildren: Ashley Neil Smith, Alan Wayne Barksdale and wife, Brooke, Trish Smith Mack, Rachel Hope Barksdale, and Matthew Ross Barksdale and wife, Lizzie. Great-grandchildren: Cole Russell Mack, Lexi Nicole Mack, Whitney Ashlynn Smith, Easton Wayne Barksdale, Katherine Raines Barksdale, Charleigh Love Barksdale, Everly Elizabeth Barksdale, Kenleigh Grace Barksdale, Barrett Sutton Barkdale, and Harper Jean Barksdale. She is also survived by many dear nieces and nephews including, Tim, Sylvia, and Vicky Hill whom she raised from a young age.

Seale Funeral Services were entrusted with final arrangements and care. Visitation will begin at 2PM at Bethel Baptist Church, Sunday, July 12, 2026, until time for funeral service at 3:30PM. A private burial will immediately follow.