Caddo Parish honors life and legacy of 111-year-old Mable Caplis Smith

CADDO PARISH, La. (KTAL/KMSS) — The Caddo Parish Coroner’s Office is honoring the life and legacy of what they believe to be the oldest citizen in Caddo Parish.

Mable Caplis Smith, also known as ‘Big Mama,’ ‘Mama Mable,’ and ‘Mamo,’ passed away on Saturday, July 5, at the age of 111. Born in 1914 in Taylortown, Bossier Parish, she entered the world the same year World War I began. Her obituary describes her life as a powerful testament to resilience, strength, and unwavering faith. Like many others in Shreveport, Smith was seen as a pillar of her community.

While living in Shreveport, Smith married her late husband, Leroy Smith Sr. Together, they had three children. Her obituary highlights how her family grew to encompass five generations, including 22 grandchildren, 80 great-grandchildren, over 136 great-great-grandchildren, and more than 22 great-great-great-grandchildren.

Smith was a member of the Living Hope of New Zion Baptist Church in Shreveport. In addition to being a wife, mother, and active church member, Mrs. Smith also dedicated most of her life to her work. She held various positions, including work at Ochsner LSU Health Hospital, and also served as a server and line cook in the hospital’s cafeteria before retiring in 1974.

To quote Washington’s & Smith’s funeral home, “Mable’s inspiring spirit, fierce determination, and zest for life will continue to resonate through the countless lives she touched.”