Velma L. Minor Smith Bardell

1922 - 2023

Sister Velma L. Minor Smith Bardell was born on December 7, 1922, to the late Leon and Emma Johnson Minor in Spillman, Louisiana. In 1953, she moved to Metairie, LA and has resided in Little Farms/Bunche Village community for over 40 years. She was christened Methodist as a child and baptized as an adult at the Hill of Zion B.C. in Metairie, LA. By Rev. Charles Duplessis. There she sang in the church choir and attended Sunday School and Bible Study. She served faithfully until her health began to fail. Sis. Velma was united in marriage to the Late Willie C. Smith, Sr. and to this union two sons were born. She was later united in holy matrimony to Nathaniel Bardell, Sr. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Sis. Velma Bardell graduated from McKinley High School in Baton Rouge, LA. She then attended Kate's Beauty & Culture College in New Orleans as well as Moler Beauty College also in New Orleans, LA. She began her career as a cosmetologist in the 1940s. In the early days of her business, she often traveled to workshops. She excelled in the care and styling of African American hair. She stayed up to date with the latest styles and beauty procedures. She was the owner/operator of Velma's Beauty Salon located in the Little Farms/Bunche Village community. She continued to practice her profession until the age of 98 years old. In addition to running a successful business, she was active in civic associations and political campaigning. Sis. Velma leaves to cherish her memory, two sons, Willie C. Smith Jr. of Metairie, LA and Donald C. Smith (Maxine) of St. Rose, LA; three stepsons, Ronald (Mercedes), Donald (Melissa), and Edgar (Labertha) Bardell; four grandchildren, three step grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, six step great-grandchildren, two great great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Leon and Emma Minor; her husbands, Willie C. Smith, Sr. and Nathaniel Bardell, Sr.; two sisters, Daisy Minor and Leona Miller; three brothers, Dan, Desoto "Jack", and Harrison "Minnie" Minor; and three stepchildren, Shirley Bardell, Elain Wilson, and Nathaniel Bardell, Jr. Pastors, officers and members of Second New Guide Missionary Baptist Church and all neighboring churches, and relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the homegoing celebration on Saturday, March 4, 2023, at 11 a.m. at Second New Guide Missionary Baptist Church, 1424 S. Dilton St., Metairie, LA 70003. Viewing from 9 a.m. until service time. Rev. Dale J. Sanders, Sr., Host Pastor. Rev. Asters Eric Dixon I, Officiant. Visitation will be held Friday, March 3, 2023 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Bardell's Mortuary, 3856 LA-44, Mt. Airy, LA 70076. Services entrusted to Bardell's Mortuary. Information: (985) 535-6837.