Obit: Lelia Pitrat Young; Caddo Par., Louisiana
Submitted by: CBTandem@aol.com
Date: Oct. 2000
Source: The Times-Shreveport, LA; Published on 10/06/2000


Submitted to the LAGenWeb Archives
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SHREVEPORT, LA - Lelia Pitrat Young ("Tottie"), age 95, died 

October 4, 2000 after a brave battle. She was born March 15, 1905 

in Monmouth, IL, the daughter of Lelia and Emile Pitrat. 



Mrs. Young's early life was spent in Zion City and Urbana, Illinois, 

where she attended high school. A graduate of the University of Illinois, 

she was a member of Phi Mu sorority. "Tottie" married Jackson Young 

in 1930 and moved with him to Jackson, Mississippi where he was a 

geologist with a predecessor company of United Gas. In 1940 Shreveport 

became home and they were early members of Broadmoor Methodist 

Church. She was a Sunday School teacher and for over 35 years was 

leader of the XYZ older adults group. Tottie's life work was her loving 

family and doing for others. She was honored by "Tottie Young Day" 

in Shreveport as well as numerous recognitions by the Methodist Bishop 

for her tireless efforts in helping the less fortunate. 



From the time Tottie and Jack were married she devoted her life to her 

family and others. In addition to her church work, she spearheaded an 

annual Ice Cream Social where members of local nursing homes were 

treated to an afternoon of ice cream, cookies, and entertainment. Each 

person left with a stuffed animal to love, animals which Tottie had 

collected through the whole year for that purpose. Her home was a haven 

for dolls and stuffed animals waiting to make others happy. About six 

years ago, Tottie began a crusade to outfit little girls all over the world, 

making over 3,000 dresses, and handcrafting even more after being 

confined to bed. These dresses were a legacy to her love of children 

and sewing, and have been distributed to the needy locally, nationally 

and as far away as Bosnia. 



Tottie lost her beloved Jack in 1995 after 65 years of marriage and they 

are once again together looking over their loved ones. "Tottie" is survived 

by her daughter, Alice Townson and husband, Joe of Shreveport; son, 

Robert Young and wife Hyacinth of Atlanta, GA; five grandchildren, 

Mark Townson and wife Dorothy, Becky Adams Stuart and husband, 

Jeff, Sharon LaRoux and husband, Ron, Jennifer Townson and Elizabeth 

Young; great grandchildren, Kimberly Townson, Emily Adams, Jackson 

and Christopher LaRoux, Tanner, Cameron and Collin Stuart and Russell, 

Jeffrey and Tabitha Stuart. 



During the last several years the devoted love and help of Billie Harmon, 

Bernice Gilliam, Rose Markham, Valda Simmons and JoAn Burt allowed

 "Tottie" to remain in her home surrounded to the end by love and memories. 

We will be forever grateful to each of them. 



Services will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, October 6 at Broadmoor United 

Methodist Church with Dr. George Pearce officiating. "Tottie" requested 

any memorials be made to Providence House, Alzheimers Association, 

or Broadmoor Methodist Church.



Throughout her blessed life, Tottie cherished her family above all and 

this love was returned many fold. She is at peace.



TO THOSE I LOVE AND THOSE WHO LOVE ME When I am gone, 

release me, let me go I have so many things to see and do. You mustn't tie 

yourself to me with tears. Be happy that we had so many years. I gave you 

my love, You can only guess How much you gave to me in happiness. I 

thank you for the love you each have shown, But now it's time I traveled 

on alone. So grieve a while for me, if grieve you must Then let your grief 

be comforted by trust, It's only for a while that we must part So bless the 

memories within your heart. I won't be far away, for life goes on So if you 

need me, call and I will come. Though you can't see or touch me, I'll be 

near And if you listen with your heart, you'll hear, All of my love around 

you soft and clear. And then, when you must come this way alone, I'll 

greet you with a smile and "Welcome You Home." Osborn Funeral 

Home 865-8426

 



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