Mae Hardy Smith, a beloved matriarch who lived a remarkable 100 years, peacefully entered into the arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on August 8, 2026, surrounded by the family she so deeply loved and cherished.

Her life's journey began on January 3, 1926, in Perry, Georgia, where she was born to Dencie and William Hardy. After uniting in marriage with her devoted husband, James, the couple began their life together in Georgia and later moved to Florida before eventually settling in Louisiana, the place she proudly called home. Mae leaves behind a rich legacy of faith, devotion, and unconditional love that will forever inspire those who knew her.

Mae is survived by her loving 2 sons, Gene Smith of Nashville, TN, and Rick Smith (Veronica) of Terrell, TX; 2 daughters, Rita Manuel (Larry) of Baker, Kathy Van Kleeck of Woodstock, NY; 2 grandchildren, Lauren Downs and Alexis Burks; 3 great-grandchildren; Hunter and Dreama Holten, and little Richie Burks; 3 step-grandchildren, Teresa Manuel, Robert Manuel, and Kyli Clark; and 11 step great-grandchildren; 3 brothers, Edward Hardy, Ralph Hardy, and Kenneth Hardy; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Mae is preceded in death by her husband, James W. Smith; father, William Romley Hardy; mother, Dencie Lee Horne Hardy; daughter, Shirley Downs; grandchildren, Richie Smith and BJ Manuel; 4 brothers; and 1 sister.

Relatives and friends are invited to join the family for the visitation at Baker Funeral Home, 6401 Groom Road, Baker, LA, on a later date, soon to be announced. The graveside service and burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens, in Baker LA.