Obituary

Gwynderlyn Emelda Smith 

August 27, 1956 — June 17, 2026

"As for me and my house we will serve the Lord."                  Joshua 24:15

Gwynderlyn Emelda Smith was born on August 27, 1956 in Bogalusa, LA to the late Elvie Sampson and the late Willie D. Sampson.  Gwynderlyn later embarked upon a journey that would span 44 blessed years with her husband, the late Richard Warren Smith, Sr. and in this journey three children were born.

Gwynderlyn was a 1975 graduate from Bogalusa High School, where she was a cheerleader.  After graduating she attended Sullivan Vo-Tech, where she studies marketing.  Gwynderlyn later became a part of the opening team for Wal-Mart Stores, Inc #803 in Bogalusa, LA.  Many knew her as "Sam" from Delta Printing, Inc. for over a decade.  Her warm welcoming spirit created many memories for all customers. She was also in education with the Bogalusa City School System and her love for children made that experience remarkable.

Gwynderlyn was a faithful servant at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, in Bogalusa, La from childhood to most of her adult life.  She was a proud member of New Beginning Ministries, under the leadership of her Son-in-Law Bishop A. Dausha Spikes as Pastor.  Her servant ministries of service were Youth Sunday School Teacher, Pastor's Aide Committee, and the Usher Board, Red Hatter Club and professional Women's Service Club.

Upon her departure from this earthly tabernacle, she leaves to cherish her life and legacy, eight children, Kamilah Smith of Bogalusa. LA, Angela (Alguan) Spikes of Manderville, LA, Richard (Jada) Smith and Keimora Magee both of Bogalusa, LA, D. Najuma Smith, Richard (Samantha "Sam") Smith-Connell Jr., Tera L. Duncan all of Los Angeles, CA. and Justin R. Smith of Houston, TX.  She leaves behind four siblings, Roda Sampson Brumfield of Lithonia, GA, Dennis Roy Sampson of Bogalusa, LA, Glender (Lester) Williams of New Orleans, La, and Debra Ann Sampson of Bogalusa, La, along with a cherished circle of cousins residing throughout Texas, who were raised together as siblings and shared a lifelong bond of love, unity, and family devotion.

She was preceded in death by her father Willie D. Sampson, mother Elvie Sampson, brother Dennis Ray Sampson, brother Willie Exzell Sampson, and husband Richard Warren Smith, Sr.  She enjoyed her life with eighteen grandchildren, four great grandchildren, and two sisters in laws, Penny Mack and Cynthia Jackson both of Bogalusa, La, a brother in law Glen Smith of Texarkana, Arkansas. 

She leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews and god-children and her dearest friend Ella Dupard with whom she shared an unbreakable bond of loyalty, laughter, and endless adventures.  They truly navigated life's journeys side by side.  

Her love, her faith, her legacy will live on in all of us forever.

Visitation will be from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM on July 2, 2026 at Cook-Richmond & Sons Funeral Home in Bogalusa, Louisiana. Interment will be at 11:00 AM on July 3, 2026 at New Beginnings in Angie, Louisiana.