Funeral services for Louise Smith Oakes, 99, of Greenville, will be at 11:00 a.m., Friday, August 5, 2022 at First Presbyterian Church in Greenville. She passed away August 3, 2022, Burial will be Friday afternoon at 3:00 p.m. at Woodlawn Cemetery in Sumner. Arrangements are under the direction of Boone Funeral Home, Greenville.
Mrs. Oakes was born in Sumner, Mississippi, to Dr. Arthur Henry Smith and Grace Johnston Smith. She graduated from Belhaven College with a degree in business administration and a minor in music. Later in life she returned to school and earned a master’s degree in guidance and counseling from Delta State University. She was the guidance counselor at Greenville Christian School and St. Joseph’s High School.
Mrs. Oakes was an accomplished musician. She played the piano, violin, and organ. She taught piano lessons for many years and played the organ for Trinity United Methodist Church and First Presbyterian Church in Greenville. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Greenville for more than 60 years where she served as an Elder and Sunday School teacher.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 46 years, Jesse Clower Oakes, and an infant daughter, Paula Louise Oakes. She is survived by a daughter, Mary Anne Brocato of Leland and two sons, Richard A. Oakes (Laura) of Greenwood, and David S. Oakes (Robin) of Byram, Miss.; five grandchildren, Patrick Brocato, Parker Brocato, Jesse Oakes, Anna Kathryn Oakes Kent, and Emilie Oakes; and five great-grandchildren, Liam Brocato, Cooper Brocato, John Basil Kent, Ada James Kent, and Reid Oakes.
There will be a visitation from 10:00-11:00 a.m. on Friday prior to the services at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Animal Relief and Rescue Fellowship (ARRF) of Leland, Mississippi, First Presbyterian Church of Greenville, or a charity of the donor’s choice.