She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. II Proverbs 31:25

A mother, kind, gentle and compassionate - a true expression of love, Theresa Charlene Smith
Dunbar, 68, endearingly called "Red" by her children and family was born on the first day of August
1952 to the late Alfred Smith, Jr. and Lucille Eaglin Smith. She was born and raised in Lake Charles,
Louisiana where she often spoke of her childhood with her children and grandchildren - including
stories of her summers in Houston, Texas where she worked at the ice cream shop. She graduated as
valedictorian from Washington High School in 1970 in Lake Charles, Louisiana, and she received a
bachelor's degree from Xavier University in New Orleans, Louisiana where she majored in Medical
Technology.

A loyal and true servant she worked as a medical technologist in the Lake Charles Regional
Laboratory for the State of Louisiana for over 39 years. She made valuable contributions to patient
care by collecting and testing blood, tissue, city water and various other samples from around the state
using the latest technology and analytical techniques. A true intellectual she loved to read novels and
search the web for various medical research. She was an avid writer who wrote short stories, songs
and even poetry. A free spirit and explorer she enjoyed traveling with her family. Whether on a cruise
ship to the Caribbean, car rides down East to the country (Grand Coteau, Louisiana or Sunset, Louisiana)
or road trips with her daughters, sons-in-law and grandchildren she loved to travel to new places.
However, nothing was more exciting for her than getting dressed up to attend the annual Mardi Gras balls with her children.                                              .

A faithful member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church she loved her church family whom
she cherished as brothers and sisters in Christ. She was an active member in the Knights of Peter
Claver Ladies Auxiliary. As her mother so prayerfully taught her, she sat many nights chanting the
rosary aloud. While raising her two daughters in the love of God she became a surrogate mother to
many who knew her. Sharp and caring she volunteered selflessly as a campfire counselor through
Camp Fire USA even providing the campfire girls a real outdoor tent camping experience. She loved
children & was a mentor to many throughout her life.

Her precious memories will forever be cherished by her children, Nicole (Erick) Cartier of Baton
Rouge, Louisiana; Nadine (Brian) Gills, Sr. of San Antonio, Texas; nine grandchildren, Sydni Green,
Sariya Green, Brianna Gills, Evan Carter, Brian Gills, Jr., Dawson Carter, Cole Carter, Micah Gills, and
Nadia Olivia Rose Gills; three sisters, Acquillia Peltier, Dawn (Gerald) Reed, and Lisa (Jonald)
Walker; one sister-in-law, Norma Smith all of Lake Charles, Louisiana; one 'sweet' godchild, Marianne
Rankins; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends including lifelong friend and former
spouse, Howard Dunbar.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Alfred Smith Jr. and Lucille Eaglin Smith; and one brother,
Mark Alfred Smith.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Alfred Smith Jr. and Lucille Eaglin Smith; and one brother,
Mark Alfred Smith.