Ida Mae Smith

Ida Cochran Smith – dedicated wife, mother of three, and friend of many - peacefully passed away at home on November 10, 2022, at the age of 74. She was ushered into heaven by the beautiful presence of God surrounding her and her loving family.

Born in Beaumont, Texas, on August 4th, 1948, she was the daughter of Victor James Cochran Sr. and Jean (Byley) Cochran. Ida was a realtor for a short time and then she was blessed to run a small daycare in her home for approximately 20 years. She cherished her Parkway Life Church family and loved doing life with all of the special ladies groups that she was blessed to be a part of. She was the most selfless and trustworthy woman you would ever meet and was loved by so many. Aside from God, family was the most important part of her life. She was so proud of her beautiful daughters and their families, especially all of her grandchildren. Ida and her husband, Frank, enjoyed traveling all over the country during their early years of marriage with the highlight of their travels being the Great Northwest. She was a wonderful cook and had a sweet tooth that she passed down to her children. Playing card games and dominoes with her mother and sisters were special times that will be held dear. Ida has left an impact on many lives and will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved her.

She is preceded in death by her parents and brothers, Victor James Cochran, Jr. and Johnny Cochran; brother-in-law Robert Smith; as well as her father and mother-in-law, Wesley and Lilly Smith.

She is survived by her loving husband of 55 years, Frank; children, Laura Gonzales and husband Mark, Lisa Brittain and husband Chris, Christie Hirasaki and husband Ron; grandchildren, Hayden Gonzales and fiancé Danielle Krebs, Jacob Gonzales, Camryn and Colby Brittain, Ryan and Connor Hirasaki; siblings, Linda Prevost and husband Ed, Larry Cochran, Sharron Carmody and husband Doug; siblings by marriage, Wesley and Wanda Smith, Joyce and Wayne Peoples, Mark and Jeanette Smith, sister-in-law Judy Cochran; fur babies, Gracie and Shadow; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other loving family and friends.

Serving as pallbearers are her precious grandchildren, Hayden, Jacob, Camryn, Ryan, Connor, and Colby. Honorary pallbearers are her sons-in-love, Mark, Chris, and Ron.

Ida’s life was a blessing, her memory a treasure, she’s loved beyond words, and she will be missed beyond measure. Gone, but not ever forgotten. Her legacy lives on…

Services will be held at Parkway Life Church, 1865 FM-3513 in Lumberton, Texas. Visitation will be Monday, November 14th, from 5 pm to 8 pm. Funeral services will be Tuesday, November 15th, at 10 am with Pastor Nathan Keating officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Beaumont.