Obituary for Fae Rita Dauzat Smith

Fae Rita Dauzat Smith  - Oct. 28, 1944 - July 8, 2026

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Fae Rita Dauzat Smith, who peacefully departed this life at home, surrounded by her family, on July 8, 2026, at the age of 81.

A Memorial Mass celebrating Fae's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Moncla, Louisiana with Revs. Albi Mulloth and Rev. Paul Kunnumpuram officiating. A public visitation will be held at the church hall from 9:00 a.m. until the start of the Mass at 10:45 a.m. Arrangements are under the direction of Melancon Funeral Home, Bunkie.

Fae was the beloved wife of Pete Smith Jr., with whom she shared 59 years of unwavering love, faith, and devotion. Their marriage was a beautiful testament to commitment, partnership, and enduring love. She was a devoted mother whose greatest joy came from caring for and nurturing her family.

She is lovingly remembered by her husband, Pete Smith Jr.; her three sons, Scott Smith, Bronson Smith (Adriana), and Justin Smith (Brandon); her five grandchildren, Ben Smith (Mallory), Christopher Smith (Jenny), Mallory Smith, Mia Smith, and Joshua Smith; her four great-grandchildren, Carter Smith, Naomi Smith, Rudy Smith, and Chipper Smith; her siblings, Rae Dauzat Hair and Dyrel Dauzat (Chalayne); her sisters-in-law, Irby Dauzat and Laura Dauzat; and her brother-in-law, Gary Smith.

Fae was born on October 28, 1944, in Marksville, Louisiana, to Orney and Villia Dauzat. She entered the world alongside her identical twin sister, Rae Dauzat Hair, with whom she shared a lifelong bond. As a child, Fae faced many challenges after being diagnosed with polio. Through countless surgeries, rehabilitation, and remarkable determination, she persevered, graduated from high school, and later earned her beautician's license. She proudly served her community from the salon she operated out of her home, where she built lasting friendships with her clients.

Later in life, Fae became the proud co-owner of Double S Feed Mill alongside her husband. Together, they built their business with integrity, determination, and hard work. For more than 20 years, she earned the respect and trust of customers throughout the community. Fae was also a lifelong and devoted member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, where her faith remained a guiding force throughout her life.

Fae will be remembered for her strength, resilience, unwavering faith, generous heart, and deep love for her family. Her legacy lives on in the lives of those she loved and the many people she touched with her kindness and compassion.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Orney and Villia Dauzat; her parents-in-law, Pete Smith, Sr. and Ina Barton Smith; her brothers, Ardie Vincent Dauzat, Reuben Dauzat, and Steven Dauzat; her daughter-in-law, Kathy Roy Smith; her sister-in-law, Diane "Sis" Dauzat; and her brothers-in-law, Ronnie Hair, Jerrell Smith, Julius Smith, and Frankie Smith.

Honorary pallbearers are Mallory Smith, Mia Smith, Joshua Smith, Ben Smith, and Christopher Smith.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff of Christus Hospice, especially Caitlin Reynaud, Kasey Arnold, Chelsie Jordan, Kelli Roberts, Brittany Stickells, and all those who provided exceptional care and support to Fae. We are also deeply grateful to Christine LaBorde and Monique Gautro for their unwavering friendship and devoted care. A special thank you to Deacon Ken Primeaux for his faithful dedication to Fae, bringing her the Eucharist and providing her with spiritual comfort throughout her journey.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude for the many prayers, acts of kindness, and support they have received during this time. While Fae's presence will be deeply missed, her legacy of faith, love, and compassion will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital - 501 St. Jude Place - Memphis, TN  38105 or www.stjude.org;  St. John the Baptist Catholic Church of Moncla - 334 Community Center Dr. - Marksville, LA  71351 or the Alzheimer's Foundation of America.