Ramona (Turner) Smith

Ramona Denise Turner-Smith “Buffy” peacefully transitioned from her temporary home to her eternal home into the arms of her Heavenly Father on Wednesday, December 28, 2022, surrounded by her loving family and friends.

Ramona was born on November 11, 1969, to Doris Ragas Turner and the late Henry Turner. Ramona was raised in Port Sulphur, Louisiana, and relocated to Marrero, Louisiana, after Hurricane Katrina. On August 31, 2001, Ramona was united in Holy Matrimony to Sidney L. Smith, and he was blessed to become a loving and dedicated father to Ramona's two children, Taren David, and Monchelle Ari Turner. Ramona has one daughter-in-law, Renee Lecole Turner, and two grandsons, Talon Louis, and Rosen Declan Turner. One of Ramona's greatest joys was spoiling and doting on her grandsons. As a mother figure, Ramona formed a special relationship with her niece Tasha Turner. Ramona is loved and adored by her siblings, Malcolm, Crystal (Rev. Leander) Taylor, Sr., David (Thelma) Turner, and the late Andre (Karen) and Harry Turner.

Ramona is the Goddaughter of Gwendolyn Ragas and Benjamin Jones, Sr. and daughter-in-law of Bertha Smith and the late Albert Smith.
Ramona was reared in the Catholic faith as a young child and took on the Baptist faith as she matured and learned more about God. The desire to have a closer relationship with Him led to Ramona being baptized at Greater Macedonia Baptist Church by Rev. Joseph Taylor. Being a lover of people and wanting to work in the church, Ramona joined the choir and began singing for the Lord. Ramona's favorite hymn is "Thank You for it All" by Marvin Sapp, and her favorite scripture is Philippians 4:6, Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.

Ramona was destined to shake things up and truly loved and cherished her family! Ramona had a sparkle in her green eyes and smile that was captivating and contagious. When she entered a room, there was no doubt; joy was sure to follow. Ramona never met a stranger because she knew everyone. Her mother initially wanted to name her "Buffy Tuffy Ramona Denise Turner," but thankfully, one of her friends talked her out of it. She enjoyed planning activities for her nieces and nephews and spending time with them. The family referred to Ramona as the "Party Queen" as well as the life of the party. Ramona believed in celebrating special dates and looked forward to her birthday, which started on November 1, 12:01 a.m., and continued until November 30, 12:01 a.m. The party planning talent began early, with the creation of the Co-Chillin Crew founded in grade school. The crew consisted of Ramona and her lifelong friends, Abra Vaughn, Nicole Davis, Celeste LaFrance, Gwen, and Nita Faye Ragas.

Ramona was also the baby girl of five first-cousin girls and known as "the one who never followed the rules." As cousins, Crystal, Gina, Reshell, Vangie, and Ramona had a bond that couldn't be broken. They weren't just cousins but sisters within sisters sharing the same blood. Ramona was a die-hard New Orleans Saints fan! Win or lose; she wasn't getting off the train. Throughout her life, Ramona was employed at Take I Video and later became co-owner of Take II Video in Port Sulphur along with Jerry Hodnett. After closing the video store, Ramona worked in the school system, first in Plaquemines Parish at Belle Chasse Academy and then in Jefferson Parish at William Hart Elementary and Livauduis Middle School until her illness.
Ramona leaves to cherish her memories along with her husband, her children, grandchildren, mother, siblings, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, brothers-in-laws, sisters-in-laws, godchildren, the Co-Chillin Crew, and faithful friends, Tricia Anderson, Hershel Ragas, Lavon Anthony, Chanel Manuel, and a host of other devoted relatives and friends.
Ramona was preceded in death by her father, maternal and paternal grandparents, two brothers, three aunts, three uncles, a nephew, a father-in-law, and one brother-in-law.

Pastors, officers, and members of Greater Macedonia Baptist Church, Greater Mt. Siani Missionary Baptist Church and all neighboring churches of Plaquemines Parish, employees of Plaquemines Parish Sheriff Office, Port Sulphur Learning Center, Belle Chasse Academy, Livudias Middle School, are invited to attend a Celebration of Life honoring the life of Ramona Denise Turner-Smith on Saturday, January 7, 2023 at the Greater Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church, 27954 Highway 23, Port Sulphur, Louisiana 70083. Pastor Mandrel R. Pansy, Sr. officiating and Pastor Allen Johnson is the host pastor. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. and the service will begin at 11:00 a.m. Entombment will follow at Mt. Zion Cemetery in Empire, Louisiana.

Due to Covid – 19 facemasks are still encouraged.

Funeral planning entrusted to Robinson Family Funeral Home, 9611 LA-23, Belle Chasse Louisiana 70037.

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