Lou Gayle Smith Craft, 40, was born on August 20, 1981, to Mr. William Smith and Mrs. Sarah Mason Smith in Gulfport, Mississippi. She was a lifelong resident of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Lou departed this life, Tuesday, September 14, 2021.

Lou was educated within the Gulfport School District and Graduated from Gulfport High School. After high school graduation, Lou continued her education at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, obtaining a certification as a Certified Nursing Assistant. She was a member and attended St. James Baptist Church in Gulfport. Lou was a beautiful soul who lived a beautiful life and left many beautiful memories.

Lou was the type of person that knew her calling and purpose. If fact, helping people was her passion. She was such a loving and caring person and nothing seemed to bring her more joy than when she was helping and caring for others. Lou possessed such a care free spirit. Her smile and friendly personality allowed her to never meet a stranger. She was simply a down to earth young lady that understood that people are people and we all need a little love and compassion. The light of our world has become a little dimmer, but the life and legacy left behind by Lou, has given us the encouragement needed to go on.

Lou is survived by her husband, Maurice Craft; her parents, William Smith and Sarah Mason Smith; a step father, Willie Deloach; three children, Trilisia Smith, Lartesha Stokes, and D-Ariel Craft; eight brothers, Willie Smith, Vernon Smith, Karlton Smith, Kevin Smith, Robert Smith, Quentin Smith, Terrance and Derrance (Deanna) Smith; three sisters, Karmen Smith, April Smith, and Latoriya Sandifer; 4 grandchildren, and a host of uncles, aunts, relatives and friends.