Pat Ferguson Smith

Pat Ferguson Smith, lovingly known by many as Nanny, a one of a kind, loving mother, grandmother, and servant of Christ, went to Heaven to be with our Lord on September 27, 2026, in Beaumont, Texas, at the age of 93. She was born on April 10, 1933, in Marietta, Oklahoma. A proud graduate of Nederland High School class of 1950, she went on to graduate from Baptist Hospital school of Nursing in 1965. She then went on to receive her degree from St. Joseph College in Standish, Maine. She was employed by Mid-Jefferson Hospital in Nederland where she was the director of nurses and over the ICU for many years. In her nursing career, she also opened an office for HMSS in Beaumont, bringing IV therapies into patient's homes. Later, she became a Private Investigator for Equifax, auditing hospital bills for insurance companies. Through every chapter of her life, she was so very proud to be an RN. In fact, her influence as an RN was so impactful that seven of her grandchildren and family members went on to pursue nursing careers, becoming nurses themselves because of her.

She built a life rich in her unwavering faith in God, her family, love for others, and creative pursuits. Pat was a devoted disciple of God and an active member of the Magnolia Assembly of God Church in Port Neches, where her faith shone brightly no matter where she was serving. Over the years, she lovingly oversaw the women’s ministry, cook book committee, was a part of many small groups, and outreach. In most recent years, she visited home bound church members through the shut-ins ministry and cherished her time with the Joy Group. Pat was always ready to lend a helping hand, offer a comforting word, or pray with others.

Beyond her church community, Pat embraced life with enthusiasm. She loved to travel with her husband, Roland. Together, they explored many places in their motor home all over the United States as part of an RV Club, and even brought their grandkids along to vacation with them. They also loved to visit churches while vacationing. They never let a Sunday pass where they weren’t in church worshipping with other believers. Her gift of playing the piano was a God given talent. She could play the piano, organ, ukulele and many other instruments by ear, bringing joy to countless gatherings. She could not pass a piano without gracing it with her gift. She played for several churches in the area, including Magnolia for 28 years. Her hands were rarely still, whether she was playing instruments, dominoes, sewing beautiful clothing and dance costumes, or creating intricate stained glass pieces.

Even though she loved so many things, there was nothing she loved more than her family. She was a true caretaker at heart, Pat was a wonderful nurse, always tending to others with compassion and skill. She cared for her husband and children with great loving kindness, even in their struggle with diabetes. Her thoughtfulness and intentionality had generational impact, especially with her great-grandchildren, to whom she consistently sent cards containing two-dollar bills and always had a trunk full of gifts ready for any occasion. Pat was truly one of a kind, a unique soul whose capacity for love knew no bounds. She cherished her grandchildren and great-grandchildren as deeply as her own children, making every family member feel special and loved.

Pat's soul mate, first love, and marriage of 48 years was to Roland Ferguson, who was the father of her three children. Several years after being widowed, she married Thomas Smith with whom she enjoyed 19 years of marriage until his passing on Christmas Day 2021. She is survived by her loving son, Michael Ferguson and his wife, Patricia, son, Louis Ferguson, and her favorite son-in-law, Sid Lavender. Her legacy continues through her cherished grandchildren, Stephanie Trahan and her husband, Thomas, Jason Ferguson and his wife, Kristin, Rebecca Vandever, Andrew Ferguson, Cassi Wilkerson and her husband, Dustin, Shantell Wilson and her husband, Koty, and Dillon Lavender. She also leaves behind her adored great-grandchildren, Drew Ferguson, Alexia Fluegel, Lydia Ferguson, Kason Ferguson, Cameron Vandever, Coen Vandever, Chloe Wilkerson, Wade Wilkerson, Collins Wilkerson, Chandler Wilkerson, Maci Wilson, Kolbi Wilson, Leon Lavender, and Jude Lavender, as well as her great-great-grandchild, Wesley Ferguson. Pat was preceded in death by her parents, Claude and Louise Daughrity; her soul mate, Roland Ferguson; her late husband, Thomas Smith; her precious and only daughter, Rachel Claudette Lavender; her brother, Carroll Daughrity; and her precious sister-in-law, Ann Daughrity.

We know the Lord welcomed her home with, “well done, good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:23

A visitation will be held on Thursday, October 1, 2026, from 10:00a.m. to 11:00a.m. at Melancon Levingston Funeral Home, 1605 Avenue H, Nederland, Texas. The funeral service will follow at 11:00a.m. at the same location. Interment will follow at Oak Bluff Memorial Park in Port Neches, Texas.