Marigen Vantress Smither

Marigen Vantress Smither, 83, passed away peacefully at her home in Covington, Louisiana, on the morning of October 21, 2024. Marigen truly brought light to our world—a beloved mother, sister, daughter, grandmother, great-grandmother, and loyal friend, she left a lasting legacy of intellectual curiosity, unconditional love, and vibrant independence. 

Mary Genevieve (her given birth name) was born in Yuba City, California, and retained a lifelong love of the state she first called home. She adored her family, maintaining close bonds with her sisters, Nancy and Carolyn, with whom she shared some of her favorite memories, including countless rides on the Giant Dipper at the Santa Cruz boardwalk as young children and later exploring the world together with spirit, independence, and laughter. She moved with her family to Atlanta, Georgia, where she excelled as a student and athlete in high school, and then attended Georgetown Visitation in Washington, D.C., and the University of Alabama, where she made many lifelong friends as a member of Chi Omega. But her greatest joy was being the proud mother to her sons Van, Michael, and Scott, parenting with abundant humor, kindness, and love. Preceded in death by parents Charles Duane Vantress and Jane Rednall Vantress, son Scott Rednall Smither, and grandson Charles Dunaway Smither, Marigen will be remembered by sisters Nancy Vantress Peek (Buz) and Carolyn Vantress, sons Charles Vantress Smither (Nancy) and Michael Hardie Smither, grandchildren Marianne Vantress Smither, Grace Hardie Smither (Joshua), Madison Elizabeth Smither, Emily Rednall Smither, William Roy Smither, and Cooper Vantress Smither, and great-grandchildren Lydia Rose DeSart and Silas Vantress DeSart. 

Her wisdom, wit, and selfless nature will be forever cherished and carried on by all who loved her. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice—or, in her honor, take some time to read a favorite book or enjoy a beautiful sunset on the beach.