Livingston, Louisiana - 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 Smith, Alan Barksdale and wife, Brooke, Trish Mack, Rachel Barksdale, and Matthew Barksdale and wife, Lizzie. Great-grandchildren: Cole Mack, Lexi Mack, Whitney Smith, Easton Barksdale, Katherine Barksdale, Charleigh Barksdale, Everly Barksdale, Kenleigh Barksdale, Barrett Barksdale, and Harper 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.