Lots of questions, so I'll post this bit on info here (first).

Found the death record for a Herman Smith
d. 1947 in Harris County, Jefferson Davis Hospital
He was 33, Single and born in 'Franklin, LA'.
Father: Charlie Smith
Mother: Clara Joseph
He was buried at 'Oak Park'** (?).

So, two out of three have 'Clara Joseph' as mother.
** This may be a clue to where other family members are buried.

Source:
¹ Texas Death Record Collection.
Microfilm provided by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. © Copyright 1999 Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. All use is subject to the limited use license and other terms and conditions applicable to this site [Individual and specific family research].
FHL US/CAN Film 2218731:
"Death records v. 85-90 cert. nos. 42400-44548 Oct. 1947, Harris County ..."
Microfilm of originals housed at the State Registrar Office in Austin, Texas.