Patricia Nell Irby

Patricia Nell Smith Irby was born July 9, 1936 in Clarks, LA, a backwoods rural town, to the union of Robert A. "Bob" Smith and Harriette Thelma Rogers.  Clarks was a well-known town for its lumber industry. There were rail spurs running in all directions to harvest the virgin pine and hardwood trees being railed back to Clarks.  It was milled into lumber to be shipped all over the country.  Pat then moved to 360 Joy Hill Rd., also known as Old Hwy 165 Kelly, LA.  Growing up here, she would watch the convoys of army vehicles going back and forth from Monroe to Alexandria.  While living here, she attended Kelly School and graduated as Valedictorian in 1954.  After graduation from Kelly, she enrolled at LA Tech in September of 1955 and graduated in 1958 with a Bachelor Degree in Business and English, along with a Teachers Certificate.  Following graduation she started working for an oil company in Shreveport, LA.  She later moved to Monroe and went to work for a law firm.  She started her teaching career in Caldwell Parish (Columbia), then as a business teacher at LaSalle High School.  She then moved to Minden,LA as a business teacher at Minden High.  There she met her husband, Benton L. Irby Sr.  She then moved back to LaSalle Parish as a full time business teacher. Pat Irby was the epitome of a school teacher; poised, disciplined, but cordial.  She thought that every student was there to learn a skill that would benefit them their entire life. Many went on to become doctors, lawyers, town officials, representatives and community leaders. Teachers of this type will truly be missed. After teaching twenty-three years she retired and became a homebody. She loved reading, playing the piano, and teaching Sunday School.  Sometimes she even went bird hunting, camping and fishing with her husband and son. However, she would rather be at home with a good book and music!!

On December 22, 2023, Patricia Nell Smith Irby, broke the surly bounds of earth to touch the Face of God and dwell with Him forever.  Thanks be to God!!!  Pat was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Benton L Irby Jr.; two-half brothers: Willie Ray Smith and Bobbie J, Smith; and a half sister: Ethel Ann Smith Dark. She is survived by her husband, Benton L Irby Sr.

Pat will be missed by all who knew her, but mostly by her husband of some sixty-three years.  He must say goodbye to his Pixie-Darling for the last time.

Serving as pallbearers will be Bull Barnhill, Randy McCarty, Travis Maxwell, Andrew Strong, and Bro. Joe Lowe.

Honorary pallbearers are George Humphries, Jeffrey Johnson, Anders Thompson, and Dan Brockner.