Clarissa Maurice Smith

Clarissa "Rissa" Smith Matthews was born February 1, 1970 in Baton Rouge, La to the late Ada Smith and Dallas Williams, Jr.  She graduated from Rosenwald High School in 1988.  In 1990, she received a diploma from Commercial Community College in Word Processing.

In 1990, Clarissa started her career with the New Roads Police Department as a Communications Operator.  In 1995, she served as a Communications Operator with the Pointe Coupee Sheriff's Office. From 2000-2004, Rissa worked as a Dispatcher for Pointe Coupee Electric, where she later retired from the Work force.

On June 15, 1991, Clarissa was joined in Holy Matrimony to Mark Matthews, Sr.  Through this union, two sons were born, Mark Matthews, Jr. and Aaron Matthews.

Clarissa enjoyed cooking, traveling and taking care of others.  She loved to provide a safe haven for family and friends that were in need.

Clarissa is survived by her four children: Iesha Zeno, Baker, LA, Travon Smith and Mark Matthews, Jr., New Roads, LA and Aaron Matthews, Houston, TX; eight grandchildren: Galissia, Ga'Kerrah and Ivan Lathers, Tre'Vyon and Denver Smith, Traviuh Joseph, Ethan and Madden Matthews; two great grandchildren:  Naviah Lathers and Layton Littleton; one brother: Trevis Williams (Daria); six aunts:  Lizzie (Mathew) Jackson, Naomi McKnioght, Josephine Jones, Erma (Carl) Terrance, Evelyn Smith and Gloria Jarreau; four uncles:  Lawrewnce (Pearl) Smith, Jr., Julius Smith, Nelson (Bernadette) Smith, Kimble Smith and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Clarissa is preceded in death by her parents: Ada Smith and Dallas Williams, Jr.; uncles: Denver, Russell Victor and Alvin Smith; great aunt: Leotha Martin and cousin: Eugene Jarreau III.

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