Chantell Marie Smith (January 27, 1970) born to Ella Slaughter Smith and the late Varice Smith Jr. She was the only child of that union. Chantell passed away on August 7, 2023.

Chantell was a dedicated member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church and actively participated in various religious organizations. She was a member of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Knights of Peter Claver 3rd Degree Ladies Auxiliary-Ct# 141, Father Herbert F. Schuster 4th Degree Ladies of Grace-Chapter 22, and the Social Justice Committee of Immaculate Heart of Mary. She contributed as a lector, chaired the raffle committee, and was part of the Acts team. She also served on the Parish Council with the church.

Her education included Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic School, St. Louis High School, and Acadiana High School. She graduated with honors from the University of Southwest Louisiana, now known as the University of Louisiana of Lafayette. Later, she earned her Juris Doctorate from Southern University Law Center.

Chantell has been a practicing Attorney for Twenty-nine years. Her legal career began as a volunteer in Judge Gene Thibodeaux's Office at the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals. She then worked as an Assistant Attorney General at the Louisiana Attorney General's Office. Later, she became an Attorney/Mediator at The Louisiana Office of Workers' Compensation, where she served for twenty years before retiring. After retirement, she entered private practice.

Outside of her legal career, Chantell was an enthusiastic reader and traveler. She cherished moments with family and friends and was known for her sense of humor. Her legacy reflects her values of love, compassion, and the belief that small actions can bring about significant change.

Chantell was a life time member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and actively participated in several other organizations, including The Louisiana Bar Association, Southwest Louisiana Bar Association, Texas Bar Association, Southwest Louisiana Louis A. Martinet Legal Society, Acadian Legal Services Corp. Board, The Southern University Alumni Federation, Women's Commission of Southwest Louisiana, National Association of University Women Inc., Lake Charles Literacy Council board member, and Top Ladies of Distinction.

She is survived by her mother, Mrs. Ella Slaughter Smith Harmon, half-siblings Varice Smith III and Kardelia Smith, stepbrother Jeffrey Harmon, Godfather Simon Smith, Godmother Mary Lou Ceasar, God-children Marcel Jubert, Darius Jubert, Serenity Crawford, and numerous relatives and friends. She is proceeded in death by her father, Varice Smith, Jr., and stepsister, Vera Harmon.

Although Chantell has left us, her spirit and memory will forever live on in the hearts and minds of those she touched.