Alva Smith

Shreveport, LA - Alva Grady Smith age 90, passed away on January 2, 2020 in Shreveport, Louisiana. Mr. Smith was born to Reverend Elmer E. Smith and Clara Smith on May 1, 1929 in Chesbrough, Louisiana. After graduating High School he joined the U.S. Army. He fought in The Korean Conflict in an artillery unit. After leaving the war he went to work for United States Postal Service, retiring from there in 1986. He met the love of his life, Betty Higgins, at Laurel Heights Baptist Church they attended. Betty owned a Bookstore, Betty's Books, and Alva went to help her in 1986-2009. Mr. Smith was preceded in death by parents; stepmother, Iva Smith; sister Juanelle Ditmer. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Betty H. Smith; children, Terry Smith and wife Fran, Darrell Smith and wife Caroline; grandchildren and great grandchildren. Graveside services will be conducted at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, January 7, 2020 at Forest Park West Cemetery, 4000 Meriwether Rd, Shreveport, LA.. Brother David Ratford will be officiating the service. Special thanks to St. Joseph Hospice and caregiver Patsy Higgins and Frances Jordan for the love and care they gave him.