It is with extremely heavy hearts we announce that Lyla Ann Smedley Poland, passed away surrounded by love on February 21, 2024, at the age of 73 in Slidell, Louisiana.

She was born on June 20, 1950, in New Orleans, Louisiana at Hotel Dieu Hospital. Lyla is survived by her loving husband of 41 years, Verne L. "Chuck" Poland. Lyla leaves behind four children, Patrick B. McGowan (Dana), Terri L. McIntyre (Craig), Brian B. McGowan & Amanda K. Keller (Armando), which were from her previous marriage to David D.W. McGowan, and her two stepsons, Michael T. Poland (Pam) & Verne L. "J.R." Poland, II.

As "The Momo," she also leaves behind her grandchildren.  Brittany Bell (Sam), Jacqlyn Brandon (Matt), Angelica Menges, Daniel Barnhill, Brice McGowan, Savannah McGowan, Sierra McGowan, Amelia Keller and her great grandson, Rhys Brandon. She is also survived by her only living sister Carol A. Guiteau (A.J.).

She was preceded in death by her loving parents, Lyle A. Smedley & Noretta C. Smedley, and her brother, Joseph Wilson.

Lyla grew up in New Orleans. She attended Colton Jr. High and Francis T. Nicholls High School where she made lifelong friends. She moved to Slidell in the late 70's.

Lyla had a passion for traveling and visited nearly all 50 states and quite a few countries. She enjoyed cooking, movies, and trivia. Cooking was her "love language."  Before her health began to fail, she had Sunday Dinners in her home. She cooked enough for an army & believed in "the more, the merrier"!  Her sassy sense of humor & warm personality welcomed anyone & everyone. Her love for her family was evident to all & will be dearly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her. We are left with the echoes of her laughter & her words, "I love you my heart"!

Feel free to honor Lyla by wearing blue, her favorite color.

Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the Funeral Service at HONAKER FUNERAL HOME,

1751 GAUSE Blvd. WEST (IN FOREST LAWN CEMETERY), Slidell, LA
on Monday, March 4, 2024, at 11:30 A.M.

Visitation on Monday after 9:00 A.M. until funeral time.

Interment will be at 12:30 P.M. at the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery, 34888 Grantham College Rd. Slidell, LA.

Arrangements by Honaker Funeral Home, Inc., Slidell, LA.