Obituaries; S & T Surnames for 2002 Jefferson Davis Parish, Louisiana Submitted by Kathy LaCombe-Tell Source; Lake Charles American Press (LCAP). The American Press has granted permission for the obituaries to be archived by the USGenWeb Project. They assume no responsibility in the accuracy of the information. They print only what is furnished to them by the indicated funeral home. The date beside the newspaper abbreviation is the date it was printed. Submitted December 2004 ~~~~~~ Copyright. All rights reserved. ~~~~~~ http://theusgenweb.net/copyright.htm Submitted to the LAGenWeb Archives http://www.usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm James A. Scharff — 6/2/2002 WELSH — James Arnold Scharff, 72, died Saturday, June 1, 2002 in his residence. He was a dredge boat operator for many years. Survivors include his wife, Mrs. James A. Scharff of Welsh; three sons, Gary Scharff and Dennis Scharff, both of Welsh, and Timothy Scharff of Lake Charles; and six grandchildren. His funeral will be at 1 p.m. Monday, June 3, from St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Bell City. The Rev. Albert Borel will officiate. Burial will be in Lorraine Cemetery in Bell City under the direction of Hixson Funeral Home of Welsh. Visitation is 1-10 p.m. today, with a rosary at 7 p.m. Alberta Schlesinger — 2/18/2002 LAKE ARTHUR — Funeral services for Alberta "Bertie" Schlesinger, 91, will be at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 19, in Miguez Funeral Home. The Rev. David Denton will officiate. Burial will be in St. Anthony Cemetery. Visitation is from 10 a.m. Tuesday. Miss Schlesinger died at 7:05 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16, 2002, in the Jennings hospital. She was a native of Cameron Parish and had lived in Lake Arthur for 83 years. She was an alumna of Lake Arthur High School and U.S.L.-Lafayette. She retired in 1967 as a first-grade teacher, after more than 35 years. Survivors include many nieces and nephews. Amos Scott — 7/12/2002 WELSH — Amos Scott, 106, died Friday, July 5, 2002, in Welsh. He was a native of Opelousas and had lived in Welsh for most of his life. Survivors include two sisters, Fannie Lou Scott and Eliza J. Scott of Opelousas; one brother, Forrest Scott of Port Arthur, Texas; seven grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and 20 great-great-grandchildren. His funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 13, in King’s Funeral Home. The Rev. Nathan Stevens will officiate. Burial will be in East Ridge Cemetery in Welsh. Visitation is from 9 a.m. Saturday. Jell Scott — 5/3/2002 WESTLAKE — Jell "Jerry" Scott, 59, died Sat-urday, April 27, 2002. He was a native of Welsh, and he had lived in Westlake for eight years. He worked for Isle of Capri. He was a member of St. John Bosco Catholic Church. Survivors include his wife, Geneva Zeno Scott of Westlake; two sons, Kelvin Scott of Fresno, Calif., and Kevin Scott of Bakersfield, Calif.; two daughters, Kimberly Scott and Karen Scott, both of Lake Charles; one sister, Virgie Scott Grice of Welsh; his father, Amos Scott of Welsh; 16 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. His funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 4, from St. John Bosco Catholic Church. The Rev. Peter Ravel will officiate. Burial will be in Perkins Cemetery under the direction of King's Funeral Home of Lake Charles. Visitation is from 9 a.m. Saturday in the church. Linda M. Senette — 7/16/2002 FRANKLIN — Linda Ann Manuel Senette, 51, died at 12:10 p.m. Sunday, July 14, 2002, in her residence. She was a native of Elton. She was an active member of the Louisiana Democratic Committee and was a former member of Epsilon Sigma Alpha service sorority. Survivors include her husband, Walter J. Senette Jr. of Franklin; one son, Walter J. Senette III of Franklin; two daughters, Lauren Senette and Rachel Senette, both of Franklin; two brothers, Delbert Manuel and John Manuel, both of Franklin; her mother, Mathilda Brown of Elton; and two grandchildren, Alaura and Zoe. She was preceded in death by her father, Abraham Manuel. Her funeral will be at 2 p.m. today, July 16, in Church of Assumption. The Rev. Micheal Russo will officiate. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery in Centerville under the direction of Ibert’s Mortuary. Visitation is 10 a.m.-2 p.m. today in the church, with a rosary at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Acadiana, 2600 Johnston St. Suite 200, Lafayette, LA 70503-3240, the family said. Rev. Dan C. Simon — 8/16/2002 The Rev. Dan C. Simon, 75, died at 11:45 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 11, 2002, in a Lafayette hospital. He was a native of Jennings. He earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Southern University, and he later attended McNeese State University, where he received his certification. He attended Prairie View A&M University, where he later became a professor. He was a United Methodist minister in the New Orleans District. He was a teacher for a number of years at Jeff Davis High School. He was an Army veteran and a member of the Goodwill Lodge. Survivors include one sister, Zenobia Robinson of Jennings, and one brother, Joseph Lee Simon of Jennings. A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 17, in First United Methodist Church of Jennings. Burial will be at a later date. Arrangements are by Fondel Memorial Chapel of Jennings. Visitation is from 9 a.m. Saturday in church. Eugene F. Simon — 2/28/2002 JENNINGS — Funeral services for Eugene F. "Cookie" Simon, 88, will be at 10 a.m. Friday, March 1, from Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church. Monsignor James M. Gaddy will officiate. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery under the direction of Miguez Funeral Home. Visitation is 2-9 p.m. today and from 8 a.m. Friday in the funeral home. Mr. Simon died at 9:45 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2002, in the Jennings hospital. He was a lifelong resident of Jennings. He was a 1930 graduate of Jennings High School. He worked with his father in Eagle Grocery, an early 20th century business. He served in the 820th Tank Destroyer Battalion in World War II and fought in the European Theater in 1945. He served in battles in Rhineland, Central Europe and Ardennes and the Battle of the Bulge. He was awarded the EAME Theater Ribbon with three Bronze Stars, American Theater Ribbons and the World War II Victory Ribbon. He was a U.S. Postal employee at the Jennings Post Office and later served as postmaster at the Lake Arthur Post Office. Survivors include one grandchild and one great-grandchild. Sarah Simon — 2/21/2002 WELSH — Private graveside services for Sarah Simon, 81, of Lake Charles, were held Wednesday at Oaklawn Cemetery in Welsh. Arrangements were by Johnson Funeral Home. Mrs. Simon died at 9:40 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2002, in Sulphur. She was a native of Welsh and had lived in Lake Charles most of her life. She attended First Church of Christ in Lake Charles. Survivors include two sons, Larry Simon of Crosby, Texas, and Ricky Simon of Lake Charles; three daughters, Regina Hanks and Darlene Hebert, both of Lake Charles, and Debra Gibson of Sulphur; one sister, Bertha Racca of Lake Charles; 13 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. Mary T. Simpson — 3/27/2002 Mary Thibodeaux Simpson, 84, of Westlake, died at 6:25 a.m. Tuesday, March 26, in a Lake Charles hospital. She was a native of Elton and lived in Lake Charles for several years. She moved to Westlake 32 years ago. She graduated from DeQuincy High School. She worked as a bookkeeper for Charles Jones Realty and Charles Jones Lumber Company. She was an organizer and member of the Kress Girls. She was a member of St. John Bosco Catholic Church. Survivors include two sons, Brent Simpson of Westlake and Greg Simpson of Palm Springs, Calif.; one daughter, Becky Demler of Baton Rouge; seven grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. Her funeral will be at 1 p.m. Thursday, March 28, in St. John Bosco Catholic Church. The Rev. Peter Revel will officiate. Burial will be in Magnolia Cemetery in Westlake under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home. Visitation is 5-10 p.m. today, with a rosary at 7 p.m., and 8 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Thursday in the funeral home. Marion A. Singletary — 6/20/2002 JENNINGS — Marion Arnette Singletary, 93, died at 8:25 a.m. Wednesday, June 19, 2002, in a local care center. She was a native of Estherwood and had lived in Jennings most of her life. She was an alumna of Jennings High School and Louisiana College in Pineville, where she was an honor student. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Peabody College in Nashville, Tenn. She helped implement the first library at Southside Elementary School in Jennings. She was a retired school teacher and member of the Retired Teacher's Association. She was a member of the Women's Literary Club. She taught the Mary-Martha Sunday school class for 30 years and was a member of the Women's Missionary Union at First Baptist Church. Survivors include one daughter, Mrs. Reed (Lorene) Richard of Houston; two grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Her funeral will be at 10 a.m. Friday, June 21, in First Baptist Church. The Revs. Bob Bollich and Arthur Rockett will officiate. Burial will be in Palestine Church Cemetery in Grant under the direction of Miguez Funeral Home. Visitation is 1:30-9 p.m. today in the funeral home and from 9 a.m. Friday in the church. Bobby C. Smith — 4/4/2002 JENNINGS — Bobby C. Smith, 48, died at 11:15 p.m. Friday, March 29, 2002, in the local hospital. He was a native of Jackson, Miss., and he had lived in Jennings for 22 years. He was a Navy veteran. He was executive director of the Assist Agency Community Act, and he was a founding board member of Southside Development Corp. He was a pharmaceutical representative for Wyeth-Ayerst and Ciba-Geigy. He was a member of Omega Psi Phi. He was a member of CHDA, LCSO, LANO, ARCH and NACAA. He was a member of Region 6. Survivors include his wife, Dorothy Ervin Smith of Jennings; two sons, Barrington Smith and Brandon Smith, both of Jennings; one daughter, Erin Smith of Jennings; two brothers, Samuel Helm of Jackson and Eugene Lewis of Chicago; six sisters, Annie Jewel Okafor of Nashville, Tenn., Linda Crump of Houston, Cebelle Briggs of Chicago and Beatrice Johnson, Dorothy Miller and Joanne Martin, all of Jackson; his mother, Bertha Helm of Jackson; and grandmother, Bertha Nicholson of Jackson. His funeral will be at 11 a.m. Friday, April 5, in Emmanuel Christ Sanctified Holy Church of Jennings. The Rev. Sam Amos will officiate. Burial will be in Natchez Trace Cemetery in Madison, Miss., under the direction of King's Funeral Home of Lake Charles. Visitation is from 8 a.m. Friday in the church. Patricia G. Smith — 2/19/2002 JENNINGS — Funeral services for Patricia "Pat" G. Smith, 56, will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 20, from Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. The Rev. Wayne LeBleu will officiate. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery under the direction of Matthews and Son Funeral Home. Visitation is 10 a.m.-10 p.m. today, with a vigil service at 7 p.m. followed by a rosary, and from 9 a.m. Wednesday. Mrs. Smith died at 10:26 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16, 2002, in a Houston hospital. She was lifelong resident of Jennings. She was a secretary and bookkeeper at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, and she was secretary of the church financial council. She was the secretary for Boy Scout Troop 64. She was a past regent of Catholic Daughters of America Court 1985. She was a Eucharistic minister and a member of the adoration chapel. Survivors include her husband, J.P. Smith of Jennings; two sons, Micheal Todd Smith of Springdale, Ark., and Jason Peter Smith of Andrus Cove; three brothers, Wilfred Guidry Jr. of Rosharon, Texas, Larry P. Guidry of Roanoke and Peter Guidry of Lacassine; two sisters, Sandra Bertrand of Jennings and Daisy Dugas of Lake Arthur; one grandchild; and three stepgrandchildren. Charlene B. Soileau — 6/18/2002 ELTON — Charlene Batiste Soileau, 66, died at 8 p.m. Friday, June 14, 2002, in a Lake Charles hospital. A native of Beaumont, Texas, she had lived most of her life in Elton. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and the Ladies Altar Society. Survivors include two daughters, Janice Soileau of Lake Charles and Lucy Cooper of Baton Rouge; three sons, Joseph Soileau of Lake Charles, and Johnny Soileau and Danny Soileau, both of Elton; and 10 grandchildren. Her funeral will be at 11 a.m. today, June 18, from St. Joseph Catholic Church. The Rev. Jose Vattakunnel will officiate. Burial will be in the St. Joseph Catholic Church Cemetery under the direction of Fondel’s Funeral Home of Jennings. Visitation is from 9 a.m. today in the church, with a rosary at 10:15 a.m. Cyrus J. Sonnier — 4/3/2002 WELSH — Cyrus J. Sonnier, 84, died Monday, April 1, 2002. He was a native of Church Point and had lived in Welsh for 77 years. He was a truck driver at the Texaco refinery and owned Sonniers' Poultry Farm and Roach Spray. He was also a cattle farmer and a charter member of W&L Riders. He was a member of Our Lady of Seven Dolors Catholic Church. Survivors include three sons, Edward J. Sonnier of Eunice, Charles J. Sonnier of Welsh and Robert W. Sonnier of Morse; one daughter, Beverly Landry of Lacassine; one sister, Hazel LeBlanc of Welsh; 11 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. His funeral will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 3, from Our Lady of Seven Dolors Catholic Church. The Rev. Scott DesOrmeaux will officiate. Entombment will be in the church mausoleum under the direction of Hixson Funeral Home. Visitation is 4-10 p.m. today in the funeral home, with a rosary at 7 p.m. Howard Sonnier — 1/3/2002 LAKE ARTHUR — Funeral services for Howard Sonnier, 79, will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 3, from Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church. The Rev. Maurice Martineau will officiate. Burial will be in St. Anthony Cemetery under the direction of Miguez Funeral Home. Visitation is 5-10 p.m. Wednesday, with a rosary and Scripture service at 7 p.m., and from 8 a.m. Thursday. Mr. Sonnier died at 4:15 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 30, 2001, in his residence. He was a native of Mowata. He was a graduate of Gueydan High School. He served in the Army Air Corps in World War II. He was a member of Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church. Survivors include his wife, Eldie Vincent Sonnier of Lake Arthur; two daughters, Mrs. Billy (Sandra) Guidry of Baker and Mrs. Carlos (Cheryl) Silva of Humble, Texas; one son, John Sonnier of Houston; eight grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Elise G. Sonnier — 8/9/2002 WELSH — Elise G. Sonnier, 93, died Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2002, in the Jennings hospital. She was a native of Arnaudville, and she lived most of her life in the Welsh area. She was a member of Our Lady of Seven Dolors Catholic Church. Survivors include three sons, Herbert Sonnier of Jennings, Richard Sonnier of Welsh and Michael Sonnier of Lafayette; one sister, Berth Royer of Pine Island; three brothers, Alex Guidry of Iowa, La., and Danis Guidry and Treville Guidry Jr., both of Lake Charles; eight grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bertrand Sonnier, and one son, Edward Sonnier. Her funeral will be at 10 a.m. today, Aug. 9, from Our Lady of Seven Dolors Catholic Church of Welsh. The Rev. Herbert May will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery under the direction of Hixson Funeral Home. Visitation is from 8 a.m. Shelly S. Sonnier JENNINGS — Shelly Sue Sonnier, 33, died Saturday, May 11, 2002. Her funeral will be at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 15, in Calvary Baptist Church. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery under the direction of Miguez Funeral Home. Paul A. Spain — 5/10/2002 Paul A. Spain, 64, died Saturday, May 4, 2002, in his residence. He was a native of Welsh, and he had lived in Lake Charles for 58 years. He was a 1955 graduate of Washington High School. He was a Vietnam War veteran, and he served in the Army for 20 years. Survivors include his wife, Geraldine J. Spain of Lake Charles; two sons, Kevin T. Spain Sr. of Baton Rouge and W. Jeffery Spain of Lake Charles; one daughter, Natasha P. Spain of Fort Worth, Texas; one brother, Eugene Spain of Sarah, Miss.; one sister, Gloria Ann Babineaux of Washington, D.C.; and six grandchildren. His funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 11, from Sacred Heart Catholic Church. The Rev. Henry Mancuso will officiate. Burial will be in Combre Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Combre Funeral Home. Visitation is 9-10:45 a.m. Saturday in the funeral home. Priscilla G. Stagg — 1/11/2002 JENNINGS — Funeral arrangements for Priscilla Gravelle Stagg, 77, will be announced by Miguez Funeral Home. She died Thursday in a Downsville care center. Maxine Stelly — 1/17/2002 JENNINGS — Funeral arrangements for Maxine Stelly, 67, of Panchoville, will be announced by Matthews and Son Funeral Home. She died at 9:25 a.m. Wednesday in a Lake Charles hospital. Maxine B. Stelly — 1/18/2002 JENNINGS — Funeral services for Maxine B. Stelly, 67, will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 19, in Matthews and Son Funeral Home. Burial will be in St. Anthony Cemetery. Mrs. Stelly died at 9:25 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2002, in a Lake Charles hospital. Daniel Stroder — 1/1/2002 LAKE ARTHUR — Funeral services for Daniel "Spanky" Stroder, 45, will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 2, in Miguez Funeral Home. The Rev. Maurice Martineau will officiate. Burial will be in Andrus Cove Cemetery. Visitation is 2:30-10 p.m. today, with a rosary at 7 p.m., and from 8 a.m. Wednesday. Mr. Stroder died at 11:05 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 29, 2001, in the Jennings hospital. He was a lifelong resident of Lake Arthur. He was an oil company floor hand. He was a member of Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church. Survivors include three sons, Ryan Stroder and Bryan Stroder, both of Lake Arthur, and Daniel Stroder II of Roanoke; one daughter, Rita Nicole Henkrickson of Lake Arthur; six brothers, Michael P. Stroder of Austin, Texas, Donald J. Hebert of Hathaway, Anthony Hebert of Jennings and James Stroder, Rolland Hebert and Kenneth Hebert, all of Lake Arthur; eight sisters, Shelia Stroder of Austin, Texas, Pauline Hebert of Woodworth, Carolyn Holland of Lake Charles, Geraldine Knighton of Monroe and Lorrie A. Buller, Kathy Duprie, Janell Sonnier and Gail Thibodeaux, all of Lake Arthur; his stepfather and mother, Dave and Margaret Trahan Hebert of Gueydan; and two grandchildren. Luther Stubblefield — 7/26/2002 Luther Stubblefield, 93, formerly of Welsh, died at 8:45 a.m. Thursday, July 25, 2002, in Lake Charles. Mr. Stubblefield was a born in Liberty, Texas, and was raised in Daisetta, Texas. He attended Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas. Mr. Stubblefield lived in Welsh from 1942 to 1998, when he moved to Lake Charles. He was the manager of Miller Hardware and Furniture Store for more than 30 years. He served on the board of directors of American Bank in Welsh. Mr. Stubblefield was a member of First United Methodist Church of Welsh, and he served on the church administrative board. Mr. Stubblefield served in the Army during World War II. He was a member of the VFW. Survivors include one son, Dr. John Stubblefield of Lake Charles, and one granddaughter, Shawn Stubblefield of Lake Charles. A graveside service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 27, in Oaklawn Cemetery in Welsh. The Rev. Mark Goins will officiate. Visitation is 4-8 p.m. Friday in Johnson Funeral Home of Lake Charles. Honorary pallbearers will be Buck Hollis, Jake Daigle, Arthur Crowl and Paul Cline. Memorial donations may be made to Calcasieu Community Clinic, P.O. Box 91775, Lake Charles, LA 70609, or to the Edith and Luther Stubblefield Scholarship Fund, c/o The McNeese Foundation, P.O. Box 91989, Lake Charles, LA 70609. Swartz infant — 7/9/2002 JENNINGS — Joshua Ethan Swartz, infant son of Daniel and Dayna Swartz, died Saturday, July 6, 2002, in a Lafayette hospital. His funeral will be at 10 a.m. today, July 9, in Matthews and Son Funeral Home. Burial will be in St. John the Evangelist Cemetery. Donny W. Sylestine — 9/15/2002 ELTON — Donny Wayne Sylestine, 29, died Friday, Sept. 13, 2002, in Elton. He was a resident of Elton. Survivors include his mother, Geraldine John of Elton; five brothers, Burley, Nathan, Mark and Calvin Sylestine and Arnold John, all of Elton; and five sisters, Kay John, Clarice Chevallier and Tanya John of Elton and Theresa John of Kinder. He was preceded in death by his father, Woodrow John of Elton. Visitation is from 8 a.m. today, Sept. 15. Services will be at 1 p.m. today in Indian Bible Church. Interment will be at St. Peter Cemetery under the direction of Ardoin Funeral Home of Elton. John Cernek will officiate. Pallbearers will be Burley, Devin, Mark, Calvin and Nathan Sylestine and Arnold John. Honorary pallbearer will be Fernest Reed. Louise Tanner — 2/22/2002 Funeral arrangements for Louise Tanner, 80, of Westlake, will be announced by King's Funeral Home. She died Thursday in a local hospital. Louise M. Tanner — 2/26/2002 Funeral services for Louise Mae "Big Mama" Tanner, 80, of Westlake, will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 27, in Back to God Revival Holiness Church. Burial will be in Perkins Cemetery under the direction of King's Funeral Home of Lake Charles. Visitation is 6-9 p.m. today in the funeral home. Mrs. Tanner died at 3:55 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 21, 2002, in a local hospital. She was a native of Fenton and a longtime resident of Westlake. She was a member of Mount Nebo Missionary Baptist Church. She was a member of the church's stewardess and usher boards, missionary department and refreshment committee. Survivors include two daughters, Linda Tanner of Westlake and Rose Clifton of Sierra Vista, Ariz.; one sister, Gertrude Pickney of Houston; 19 grandchildren; 57 great-grandchildren; and 13 great-great-grandchildren. Joseph S. Theriot — 2/4/2002 CREOLE — Funeral services for Joseph Sypheon Theriot, 93, will be at 2 p.m. today, Feb. 4, from Sacred Heart Catholic Church. The Rev. Joe McGrath will officiate. Burial will be in St. Eugene Catholic Cemetery in Grand Chenier under the direction of Matthews and Son Funeral Home of Lake Arthur. Visitation is from 9 a.m. today in the church. Rosaries were recited Sunday. Mr. Theriot died at 2:47 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 2, 2002, in the Jennings hospital. He was a native of Creole and a resident of Lake Arthur. He was a retired grocery store owner. Survivors include his wife, Hilda B. Theriot of Lake Arthur; one son, Milton Theriot of Cameron; one stepson, Wilfred Menard of Jennings; one stepdaughter, Linda Nolan of Baton Rouge; 17 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; and four Clarence Thibodeaux — 2/25/2002 JENNINGS — Funeral services for Clarence Thibodeaux, 85, of Morse, will be at 3 p.m. today, Feb. 25, at Matthews and Son Funeral Home. Burial will be in St. John the Baptist Cemetery in Lyons Point. Mr. Thibodeaux died at 1:55 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 24, 2002, in a Crowley care center. Holli M. Thibodeaux — 4/1/2002 HATHAWAY — Holli Mariah Thibodeaux, 12, died Thurs-day, March 28, 2002. She was a lifelong resident of the Jennings-Hathaway area and a fifth-grade student at Hathaway Elementary School. Survivors include her mother, Robyn Cormier of Hathaway; father and stepmother, Brian and Nancy Thibodeaux of Lake Arthur; a sister, Ashleigh Thibodeaux of Hathaway; a stepsister, Melanie Richard of Lake Arthur; three stepbrothers, Sean Richard, Joshua Richard and Barry Richard II, all of Lake Arthur; maternal grandmother, Mildred S. Cormier of Mermentau; and paternal grandparents, Willis and Shirley Thibodeaux of Lake Arthur. Her funeral will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 2, from St. Lawrence Catholic Church. The Revs. Rusty Richard and Eappen Joseph will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery under the direction of Matthews and Son Funeral Home in Jennings. Visitation is from 11 a.m. today, with a French Rosary at 6 p.m. and an English Rosary at 7 p.m., at the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made to American Bank in care of the Holli Thibodeaux Fund, the family said. Howard Thibodeaux — 7/17/2002 ELTON — Mr. Howard Thibodeaux, 86, died Monday, July 15, 2002, in Savoy Medical Center in Mamou. He was a native of Lawtell. Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Estelle Bellard Thibodeaux of Elton; one son, Mr. Ernest Thibodeaux of LeBleu Settlement; one stepson, Mr. Harrison Chretien of Houston; four daughters, Mrs. Bernice T. Poullard and Mrs. Rita T. Cormier, both of Lake Charles, Mrs. Bonnie T. Poullard of Beaumont, Texas, and Mrs. Mary Lou Captain of Los Angeles; one stepdaughter, Margaret Guillory of Houston; three brothers, Mr. Archie Thibodeaux and Mr. Nelson Thibodeaux, both of Beaumont, and Mr. Goldman Thibodeaux of Lawtell; one sister, Mrs. Ora Thibodeaux of Lake Charles; 22 grandchildren; and 29 great-grandchildren. His funeral will be at noon Thursday, July 18, from St. John Bosco Catholic Church of Westlake. The Rev. Peter Ravel will officiate. Burial will be in Perkins Cemetery in Westlake under the direction of Ardoin Funeral Home of Elton. Visitation is 6-8 p.m. today, with a rosary at 7:30 p.m., in the funeral home and from 9 a.m. Thursday in the church. Melvin J. Thibodeaux — 5/14/2002 JENNINGS — Melvin Joseph “Mr. T” Thibodeaux, 66, died Sunday, May 12, 2002, in a Lafayette hospital. His funeral will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 15, from Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Burial will be in Sensat Cemetery under the direction of Matthews and Son Funeral Home. Octave Thomas Jr. — 1/18/2002 ELTON — Funeral services for Octave Thomas Jr., 74, will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 19, in the Holiness Unto the Lord Church. Bishop Joseph Thomas will officiate. Burial will be in the St. John Cemetery in Kinder under the direction Fondel Memorial Chapel of Kinder. Visitation is from 9 a.m. Saturday in the church. Mr. Thomas died at 4:50 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 12, 2002, in the Kinder hospital. A native of Chataignier, he lived in Elton most of his life. He was a member of the Holiness Unto the Lord Church where he was a deacon, a minister an usher and member of the Male Chorus. Survivors include eight daughters, Mary Strahan and Judy Trahan, both of Elton, Gloria Alfred, Dora Lewis and Stella August, all of LeBlanc, Margaret Brown of Oberlin, Joyce Edward of Opelousas and Betty Thomas of Kinder; three sons, Bill Thomas and Jeffery Thomas, both of Oberlin, and Aubrey Thomas of Eunice; six sisters, Agnes Frank, Alice Gradney, Emma Jones and Mabel Allen, all of Ville Platte, Octavia Mose of Beaumont, Texas and Winnie Trahan of Aims, Texas; two brothers, Paul Thomas of Eunice and Audley Thomas of Liberty, Texas; 33 grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren. Willa M. Thomas — 4/11/2002 Willa Mae Thomas, 74, died Wednesday, April 10, 2002, in a local hospital. She was a native of Welsh. She was the former owner of Acadiana Home Furnishings and Huey's Bar-B-Q. She was a member of Apostolic Temple United Pentecostal Church. Survivors include her husband, Huey V. Thomas of Moss Bluff; one son, Ronnie Thomas of Moss Bluff; one daughter, Carolyn Thomas of Moss Bluff; two brothers, Joe Fontenot and Wayne Fontenot, both of Lake Charles; one sister, Vianna Abshire of LaPorte, Texas; six grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. Her funeral will be at 10 a.m. Friday, April 12, in Apostolic Temple United Pentecostal Church. The Revs. M.D. Treece and Ricky Treece will officiate. Burial will be in Ritchie Cemetery in Moss Bluff under the direction of Hixson Funeral Home of Moss Bluff. Visitation is 2-10 p.m. today in the funeral home and from 9 a.m. Friday in the church. Bobby S. Thompson — 9/22/2002 KINDER — Bobby Sarville Thompson, 51, died Friday, Sept. 20, 2002, in Jasper, Texas. He was a native of Liv-ingston, Texas, and a resident of Elton for 27 years. Survivors include his mother, Rosa Thompson of Livingston; two sons, Leland Thompson and Weldon Thompson, both of Kinder; two daughters, Raynella Thompson of Lake Charles and Raeann Thompson of Kinder; one daughter-in-law, Andrea G. Thompson of Kinder; two sisters, Yvonne White Thunder and Rowena Morgan, both of Livingston; and two grandchildren, Gwyneth and Kateri Thompson, both of Kinder. He was preceded in death by his father, Webster Thompson. His funeral will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 24, in The New Testament Church. Burial will be in Langley Cemetery under the direction of Ardoin Funeral Home of Kinder. Visitation is 3-10 p.m. Monday and from 8 a.m. Tuesday in the funeral home. Bobby S. Thompson — 9/24/2002 ELTON — Bobby Sarville Thompson, 51, died Friday, Sept. 20, 2002, in Jasper, Texas. His funeral will be at 2 p.m. today, Sept. 24, in New Testament Church. Burial will be in Langley Cemetery under the direction of Ardoin Funeral Home of Elton. Mrs. William F. Tietje — 2/1/2002 JENNINGS — Funeral services for Mrs. William F. (Doris) Tietje, 83, will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 2, in First Presbyterian Church. The Revs. Tom Reighney and Phil Stagg and Deacon Michael Tramel will officiate. Entombment will be in Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum under the direction of Miguez Funeral Home. Visitation is 4:30-8 p.m. today in the funeral home and from 9 a.m. Saturday in the church. Mrs. Tietje died at 9:20 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 31, 2002, in a Crowley care center. She was a native of Roanoke. She was a 1934 graduate of Jennings High School. She earned a bachelor's degree from Louisiana Tech, and she did graduate work at the University of Tennessee. She earned fellowships at the University of Colorado and Northwestern State University. She was a retired school teacher. She was a member of the Literary Club, the Prayer Circle and the Jennings American Legion Hospital auxiliary. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church and was a church elder. Survivors include her husband, William F. "Billy" Tietje of Jennings; two sons, John Braden of Phoenixville, Pa., and Burt Tietje of Jennings; one daughter, Margaret Braden Gallaugher of Charlotte, N.C.; one brother, Billy Tramel of Kinder; one sister, Mickey Rampmaier of Orange, Texas; and eight grandchildren. Eldora M. Tizeno — 7/26/2002 JENNINGS — Eldora Mary Tizeno, 63, died Saturday, July 20, 2002, in the Jennings hospital. Her funeral will be at 11 a.m. today, July 26, in Union Baptist Church. Burial will be in Benevolent Cemetery under the direction of H.G. Raphael and Son Funeral Home. Esma P. Todd — 6/17/2002 Esma Pitre Todd, 90, died Saturday, June 15, 2002, in a Lake Charles care center. She was a native of Fenton and lifelong resident of the Fenton-Welsh area. She was a direct descendant of a pioneer family in the Fenton area. She was an alumna of Our Lady of the Lake High School and Our Lady of the Lake College, both in San Antonio. She was a member of the Live Oak Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She was a member of Our Lady of Seven Dolors Catholic Church and the Catholic Daughters OLSD. Survivors include one son, Paul A. Todd Jr. of Welsh; two daughters, Sylvia Todd Abbott of Jennings and Sybil Todd Howard of Lake Charles; five grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; one step great-grandchild; one great-great-grandchild; and three step great-great-grandchildren. Her funeral will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday, June 18, from Our Lady of Seven Dolors Catholic Church. Monsignor Charles Dubois will officiate. Burial will be in LeBleu Cemetery in Fenton under the direction of Hixson Funeral Home of Welsh. Visitation is 3-9 p.m. today, with a rosary at 7 p.m., and from 8 a.m. Tuesday. Elzina Trahan — 8/10/2002 GROVES, Texas — Elzina “Blanche” Trahan, 97, died Thursday, Aug. 8, 2002, in Crest Haven Nursing Home of Groves. She was a native of Jennings, and she lived many years in Lake Charles. She had lived in Groves since 1984. She was the owner of Hatchet Cafe. Survivors include two daughters, Lena Sonnier of Groves and Margaret LeBlanc of Lumberton, Texas; one son, Ovey J. Trahan Jr. of Buras; 14 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren. Her funeral will be at 11 a.m. today, Aug. 10, in Broussard’s Mortuary of Nederland, Texas. The Rev. Dan Malain will officiate. Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery in Lake Charles. A rosary was recited Friday evening. Marshall Trahan — 5/23/2002 JENNINGS — Marshall Trahan, 89, died at 6:45 p.m. Tuesday, May 21, 2002, in the Jennings hospital. His funeral will be at 10 a.m. today, May 23, in Miguez Funeral Home. Mary A. Trahan — 2/16/2002 WELSH — Funeral services for Mary Alda "Blondie" Trahan, 77, will be at 3 p.m. today, Feb. 16, in Hixson Funeral Home. The Rev. Jason Hartig will officiate. Burial will be in Hayes Cemetery in Hayes. Visitation is 3:30-9 p.m. today. Mrs. Trahan died Friday, Feb. 15, 2002, in a Welsh care center. She was a native of Niblett and a longtime resident of Hayes. She had lived in Welsh for 12 years. She was a cook at D&A Cafe in Hayes. Survivors include five daughters, Lena Prudhomme of Iowa, La., Natalie Romero of Broussard and Deanna Deshotel, Eva Dale Benoit and Arlene K. Callais, all of Hayes; 20 grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren. Mary L. Trahan — 3/24/2002 Mary Louise Trahan, 64, died at 4:15 p.m. Friday, March 22, 2002, in the Jennings hospital. She was a lifelong resident of the Lake Arthur-Welsh area. She was Catholic. Survivors include four daughters, Patricia Prejean of Jennings, Delores "Lolie" Prejean of Welsh and Darlene "DeeDee" Gaspard and Cindy Gayle LaPoint, both of Lake Arthur; one son, Louis Prejean of Lake Arthur; two sisters, Rose Daigle of Lake Charles and Nancy LaVergne of Lake Arthur; two brothers, Albert Trahan of Lake Arthur and Kullen Trahan of Crowley; 10 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. Her funeral will be at 10 a.m. Monday, March 25, from Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church. The Rev. Maurice Martineau will officiate. Burial will be in Andrus Cove Cemetery under the direction of Miguez Funeral Home. Visitation is from 9:30 am. today, with a rosary at 6 p.m. in the funeral home. Mrs. Jimmie (Patsy) Trahan — 6/24/2002 LAKE ARTHUR — Mrs. Jimmie (Patsy D. Simon) Trahan, 61, died Saturday, June 22, 2002, in her residence. Her funeral will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 26, from Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church. Burial will be in St. Anthony Cemetery under the direction of Matthews and Son Funeral Home. Elda M. Treme — 6/3/2002 DEQUINCY — Elda Marie Treme, 94, died Saturday, June 1, 2002, in the DeQuincy hospital. She was a native of Hathaway and had lived in DeQuincy since 1937. She was a homemaker and a member of Eastern Heights Baptist Church. Survivors include three sons, Gerald “Winston” Treme of Buhler, Winfard “Shrimp” Treme of Gray, and Willard “Chief” Treme of DeQuincy; one sister, Eva Guillory of Elton; 13 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; and seven great-great-grandchildren. Her funeral will be at 2 p.m. today, June 3, at Eastern Heights Baptist Church. The Revs. R.T. Bridges, Ray Bourque, Neil Treme and James Sample will officiate. Burial will be in Masonic Cemetery under the direction of Snider Funeral Home. Visitation is ongoing at the church. Donations may be made to Eastern Heights Baptist Church building fund, the family said.