V. Hugh Lewis/ Jefferson Jimplecute
Former Jefferson City Secretary Anita Smith Perot passed away last Friday, January 26, in Longview.
Perot served as City Secretary for over 30 years and served multiple City Mayors and Aldermen.
“My first year as Mayor, I knew nothing about my duties or responsibilities as Mayor,” said former Mayor Ned Fratangelo. “She lead me through all my duties and responsibilities of the job. She was my saving grace. She took her job as City Secretary very seriously. I could not have made it the first year without her knowledge.”
While not arriving in Jefferson full-time until after Perot’s retirement, current Jefferson Mayor Rob Baker, expressed the sentiment of the City.
“At this time, I offer my utmost and heartfelt condolences to Victor and his family during this difficult time. Miss Anita was our dedicated City Secretary for over 30 years and a true ambassador of trust and faith for our fair town. We will always be grateful for her service and support and will hold her in high esteem in our community for years to come,” he said.
Anita stayed active in the community following her retirement, but also held a special place in the Krewe of Hebe
“She was also involved deeply in the community with Vic,” Fratangelo said. “Anita was always involved in the activities in our City and Community. She was the first Queen for our first Mardi Gras. I worked with Mrs Anita through the City and many other duties for our Community. She has been an important part of Jefferson since I arrived in 1989. She was always professional and a hoot to work with. Our city has lost a jewel. May God bless her, Vic and the kids. She will be sorely missed!”
A Jefferson native, she was the youngest of the four children born to Gervas and Addine Smith and was a graduate of Jefferson schools.
Her siblings, Mildred Smith Lomis, Rosemary Smith Reed, James “Bubba” Smith, all preceded her in death.
Anita is survived by her husband of 32 years, Victor Perot; her sons Mark Wyatt, Warren Wyatt, Robert Wyatt, and David Wyatt. She has four grandchildren, Amber Wilson, Austin Wyatt, Alden Wyatt and Charlotte Wyatt, and two great-grandchildren, River and Beckham Wilson, as well as a great number of cousins, nieces and nephews.
Services for Anita were 10 a.m. Wednesday in the Cpt. Wm. Perry Chapel of Haggard Funeral Home with the Rev. Joe Hall officiating. Interment was in Oakwood Memorial Park Cemetery.
Donations in Antia’s name can be made to the Friends of the Jefferson Carnegie Library or the Jefferson Historical Society and Museum.