Laurel Elizabeth “Bess” Smith, of Carrollton, was born on June 5, 1985, and met her Lord and Savior Jesus face to face on Saturday evening, May 31, 2025, at the age of 39. Bess is survived by her husband, Ryan, and their 4-year-old daughter, Pinion “Pinnie” Kate, her mother, Vickie Bennett, and her dad, Ken Bennett, of Carrollton. Bess also leaves behind two brothers, Jay (Erin) Thomason of Hernando, MS, and Sumner Thomason, of Madison, MS, along with a host of other aunts, uncles, cousins, and nephews. Bess is preceded in death by her sister, Mallorie Kate, and her grandparents, Carl and Ruth Slaughter, of Carrollton, MS.
How does one begin to put into words a life well lived? How do words reflect the impact
and joy that one person has had on countless people? It cannot be done. Bess wore so
many hats and wore them with dignity and deep passion. She was a wife and mother to her
sweet family; she loved Jesus and taught so many children about Him and his saving love.
God bless her for not bowing to political correctness and using her classroom at school to
teach children about the love of God. She always had the amazing gift to paint and create
something out of nothing. She would paint anything if it sat still long enough. She could
decorate cakes and paint cookies that looked to perfect to eat.
Bess oversaw the care giving to her mother who has been homebound for the last 9 years.
The one thing that she struggled with was taking care of herself. Not because of any reason other than the fact that she gave herself to everyone around her. She loved with a deep passion.
So many questions swirl in our hearts and minds. It is ok to ask God, “Why?” He can
handle our questions but be prepared for Him to wisely not answer us right now. As the old
Hymn says, “We will understand it better by and by.” Bess’s tragic death is not a good thing,
but we can claim the promise from God’s Word that tells us good can come from this. We
must look for those good things by faith. Only with enlightened eyes from the Lord will we
see them, but they are there. Let us carry our grief to God and ask Him to exchange our pain
for purpose. Whose life can you help make better around you? Loving your neighbor as the
Bible teaches us, in its simplest meaning, is to preserve life and to help make it better. Bess
did that. Go from here and do likewise.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 4, in the First Baptist Church of Winona sanctuary with burial following at Moores Memorial Cemetery near Teoc. Rev. Jay Anderson and Rev. Jay Thomason will officiate the services. Pallbearers will be Caleb Thomason, David Thomason, Daniel Thomason, Charlie Parkerson, Robert Perry, and Dr. Michael Pegg.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 4, from 9:00 a.m. until service time in the church sanctuary.
Memorial contributions may be made to XLH Network, c/o Kelly Rushing, 911 Central Ave. #161, Albany, NY 12206.
In times like this, there are more questions than answers for family and friends left behind to question and to grieve the loss of one so young and so full of life. While Bess was debating over a rug and a child’s pool, she was called home…such is life. We never know when that call will come. Bess leaves behind a legacy of service and caring for her fellow travelers.
Heaven gained a beautiful Angel 😇
I met Bess while she was still in high school. She would spend time with the youth group at North Carrollton Baptist Church. As the you minister, I was afforded the opportunity to see spiritual breakthroughs and growth of many. Bess was always kind and brought a beauty to the group because of her devotion and strength. The earth is dimmer now without her light, but she has seen the glory of the Savior she loves dearly.
Bess was a wonderful soul.. Heaven gained an Angel ..
I had the pleasure of speaking with Bess a couple of times. From those times I could tell that she was full of life….May the good Lord continue to wrap his arms around her family.
I attended high school with Bess and am so sad to hear about her passing.
Mrs Smith was a precious, genuine, true, sweet, honest, caring, loving, sndvGod fearingv soul that loved her family (Ryan, Pinnie, and her mom) She will forever live in my heart and I will cherish the memories we shared together because we shared some true ones that cared true love get your rest my dear friend till we meet again😇
I worked with Bess at Williams School in Greenwood. Prayers for her family. 🙏 Carolyn Haley
Bess was a fun, loving, caring, helpful, talented, kindhearted soul! She was a great friend and so much fun to be around! She will be greatly missed! I love ❤️ you, Bess! Until we meet again!