Merrilyn Bingham Smith

1945 - 2023

Merrilyn Bingham Smith, 78, a lifelong resident of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, passed from this life into the arms of Jesus on June 16, 2023. She is survived by her daughters Shannon Aaron (husband Billy) and Kristyn Carver (husband Kim). Above all, she loved her five grandchildren: Will Aaron, Julia Aaron, Ellie Carver, Caroline Carver, and Suzie Carver. She is also survived by her dear sisters, Caroline Sanders and Maggie Bingham as well as sisters-in-law Ellen Frazier and Deanne Bingham. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, James Alton Smith, II, her parents Dr. and Mrs. Clifton O. Bingham, Sr., and her brother Clifton O. Bingham, II. After graduating from Baton Rouge High School, she attended Louisiana State University, pledged Phi Mu, and earned a Bachelor of Science as well as a Master's degree in Education. She was a passionate teacher, reading specialist, librarian, and mentor to other educators for over 30 years. She loved making the ordinary special in every aspect of her life. She loved time with her family, telling funny stories, talking to strangers, feeding her backyard birds (but not the squirrels), Lake Rosemound sleepovers and winning boat parades, and being just a little bit "bad" every day. A celebration of her life will be held at Zoar Baptist Church in Baton Rouge, on June 20. Visitation will begin at 9:00 with a service at 11:00 a.m. A special thank you to the dedicated staff at The Claiborne at Shoe Creek for the care you took of Mom these past two years. In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to the Alzheimer's Association or to Victory Christian Academy. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook or leave a personal note for the family at www.bakerfuneralhomeonline.com.