Charnelcia "Lou" Wiley Smith Cortez

Charnelcia Smith Cortez, a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully at the age of 91 with her family by her side. Born on October 27, 1933, to Travis and Clemmie Wiley in Effie, La, Charnelcia grew up on a farm, where she learned the value of hard work and determination. Completing her chores before heading off to school, she set the foundation for a life marked by strength and resilience.

Charnelcia was the oldest of five siblings, alongside her sisters, Ardith, Sylvia, and June Carol, and her brother Travis Wiley Jr. She met Bill Smith, the love of her life and they married in 1951. Tragically, Bill's life was cut short in a work accident, leaving Charnelcia to raise five young children on her own. In time, she found love again when she met Clifton Cortez, a man of exceptional character who embraced her children as his own, and together they had 3 more children, raising a total of eight.

The family settled in LaPlace, Louisiana, where Charnelcia's enduring spirit shone brightly. She was a businesswoman owning a dress store called Charnelcia's. She was a dedicated wife and mother who balanced her career with raising eight children, always making sure her home was filled with love, warmth, and hot meals. Charnelcia's house was the one everyone wanted to be at whether you were a neighborhood friend, a passerby, or someone in need. No one was ever turned away. She shared meals, offered clothes, and extended kindness to anyone who came through her door, regardless of their background.

A woman of elegance, intellect, and conviction, Charnelcia carried herself with grace- always dressed to the nines and never without high heels. She was known for her strong faith, unfiltered opinions, and her unwavering loyalty to those she loved. If you were part of her family, you knew that her love was fierce, protective, and unconditional.

Her legacy is one of love, strength, and an unyielding commitment to family. She raised her children and grandchildren with the same values that she lived by: to love deeply, support one another, and always be there for family, no matter what life throws at you. She was the glue that held her family together, and though she lived a long and full life, her absence leaves a void that will never be filled.

Charnelcia was preceded in death by her parents, both husbands, her son David Smith, and her granddaughter Kristin Emden. She leaves behind a legacy of love that will forever be cherished by her children and their spouses: Roger Smith (Melanie), Wanda Chauvin, Karren Madere (Brad), Janet Clark (Mike), Clifton Cortez Jr. (Owen), Rachael Chatham (Tony), and Jack Cortez, and daughter in law, Stacie Smith (David).

Grandchildren: Bridgett Chauvin, Jamie Dronet, Justin Smith, Travis Smith, Courtney Wambsgans, Casey Stafford, Chris Madere, Jason Delaneuville, Jeremy Delaneuville, TJ Chatham, Jove Cortez, Caitlin Cortez, and 19 great-grandchildren.

Charnelcia's impact on this world is immeasurable, and her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. We will carry her love, lessons, and spirit with us always. Though our hearts ache at her passing, we take comfort in knowing that one day, we will meet again. Until then, we will continue to love and honor her, forever and always.

Rest in peace Grandma. You will be deeply missed, and never forgotten.

Charnelcia's service will be held on Saturday, May 10, 2025, with Visitation from 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM until the service time from 10:00 AM -11:00 AM at Bedico Baptist Church, 28156 Hwy 22 Ponchatoula, LA 70454.