For years the name Smith has been synonymous with excellence in the jewelry profession. This tradition began in 1950 with the opening of the first Smith family jewelry store in Crystal City, Texas.  Marion J. Smith, founder, sold the store when called to serve in the Reserves.  A year later, he returned to his home in Jackson Parish where he married Girline Murphy of Jonesboro.  For the next 15 years, Marion worked for Rogers Jewelry of Jonesboro, perfecting his skills in the jewelry industry. In 1966, Marion and Girline Smith opened their jewelry store in the modern Advance Shopping Center in Hodge.  As the business grew, Girline earned a degree in gemology, and served as a National Bridal Consultant, one of the few trained professionals in this field.  A store unrivaled in quality and prestige, Smith Jewelers was the hallmark location for jewelry fashion for north central Louisiana.

As Smith Jewelers prospered through the dedication and hard work of its founders and the loyalty of its customers, many individuals - both civic and professional - acknowledged the achievements of the family.  In recognition of the Smith family's attainment of excellence in the jewelry profession, Marion Smith was named president of the Louisiana Jewelers Association in 1971.  His leadership qualities contributed to his being selected to serve in numerous civic capacities, and other professional appointments such as the Board of Directors of the Louisiana Jewelers Association (23 years).

With business brisk and the Smith reputation for quality well established, the family opened another store in Jackson Parish, this one on the boulevard of Main Street in Jonesboro.  Just one year later, in 1974, the family would open another store, a venture that would bring Smith Jewelers to Vernon Parish.  The new Leesville store opened its doors in the Berrytown Shopping Center where it still serves the community today.  This location has been the area's headquarters for fine jewelry and service for over 20 years.  During these years, the Smiths have been repeatedly recognized as leaders in the industry.  Smith Jewelers was selected as the first Outstanding Jeweler in Louisiana by the Louisiana Jewelers Association in 1977.

Marion and Girline have two children, Angie and Bruce.  Angie has earned degrees in jewelry repair, jewelry manufacturing arts, stone setting, and is a Graduate Gemologist from the Gemological Institute of America.  She has served on the Jewelers of Louisiana, and was a member of their Board of Directors for several years.  Angie is a certified store manager and  presently manages the Berrytown store in Leesville.  Bruce has earned a degree in radio and TV broadcasting.  The Smith family is proud to be a part of the Leesville-Fort Polk and Vernon Parish communities and would like to invite you to stop by and visit them.