Laurice Dell Smithmier Roaten

Laurice Dell Smithmier “Daisy Mae” Roaten age 74 of Paris, died Sunday, April 18, 2021, at her residence.

She was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, where was served as the choir leader for many years. Laurice worked for 26 years at East Wood Clinic in Paris as an LPN, for Dr. William “Bill” Campbell and Andy Hooper, who both became lifelong friends. Throughout her life, she also worked for Camden Hospital, many nursing homes in the area, Paris Pediatrics under Dr. Debbie Selby, and finally as a bailiff for the Henry County Courthouse. She enjoyed boat riding and drinking ice cold Coca-Cola. Laurice loved her family, grandchildren, and especially her cats Henry and Scooter. She took care of anybody who she came across in need.

Born May 11, 1946, in Paris, she was the daughter of the late Rev. Lawrence Anthony Smithmier and the late Helen Hodges Smithmier.

She married on March 6, 1981, to Ralph Dale Roaten, who preceded her in death, August 14, 2012.

She is survived by her favorite daughter, Gretchen Marie (Daniel) Moncier of Gadsden, and her favorite son, John (Amber) Roaten of Puryear; two sisters, Veldah Biro Schmidt of Puryear, and Helen Faye (Edgar) Smith of Ball Ground, GA; one sister-in-law, Charlotte Smithmier of Port Charlotte, FL two special friends, Dottie Kendall and Jason McCord; several nieces, nephews, and cousins; and five grandchildren, Ava Moncier, Natalie Moncier, Lucas Moncier, Caleb Roaten, and Seth Roaten.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was also preceded in death by two sisters, Elizabeth Cagle and Marie Holmes; and six brothers, Rev. J.L. Jake Smithmier, Ray Smithmier, L.A. Smithmier, Jr., Billy Wayne Smithmier, T.Y. Smithmier, and Rev. Claude “Bud” Smithmier.

Arrangements are being handled by Ridgeway Funeral Home, 201 Dunlap Street/PO Box 788, Paris, TN 38242.  Visitation will be Wednesday April 21, 2021, from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm at Ridgeway Funeral Home, and continue Thursday April 22, 2021, from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm at Ridgeway Funeral Home. The funeral service will be Thursday, April 22, 2021, at 3:00 pm at Ridgeway Funeral Home, with Emily Walker officiating.

Serving as pallbearers will be Alex Herbison, Eddie Krause, Ross Wimberley, Mike Wimberley, Jamie Hinson, Donnie Bass, and Scott Cobb. Named as honorary pallbearers are the doctors, nurses, and staff Laurice worked alongside at East Wood Clinic.

Burial will follow in Hillcrest Memorial Park.