ST. MARY PARISH, LA. Obituary for: BOURGEOIS, INEZ SYLVESTER Submitted by: Louis Lavedan. Source: St.Mary and Franklin Banner-Tribune, St. Mary, La. Published Friday, March 4, 2011 ======================================================================= Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgenweb.org/volunteers/copyright.shtml ======================================================================= NOTE: If a Photo is available for an obituary record, a reference note will be included with the record. ======================================================================= BOURGEOIS, INEZ SYLVESTER On the afternoon of Sunday, February 20, 2011 at 12 Noon the Lord came and silenced a wise and loving Angel of God, our dearly beloved Inez Sylvester Bourgeois. The Lord took her to a land that is free from sickness, sorrow, pain and death. Mrs. Bourgeois was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on May 11, 1914 from the union of Sydonia and Adam Sylvester. At the early age of 4, she lost her mother, and her aunt, Mrs. Orelia Rose Ray Cooper, took on the responsibility of raising her on Boudreaux St. in Franklin. Mrs. Bourgeois sought Jesus at an early age and was baptized at Asbury United Methodist Church. For many years she was the church's treasurer and a faithful choir member. She was the church's historian at the time she expired. Mrs. Inez S. Bourgeois received her Bachelor's Degree in Education from Southern University in Baton Rouge. She began her teaching career in a little wooden school in St. Joseph, prior to desegregation. She then proceeded to teach 3rd grade students at Willow Street Elementary School in Franklin. After 38 years of educating students, Mrs. Bourgeois retired because her father became ill and she went to New Orleans to help take care of him. After the passing of her father, Mrs. Bourgeois moved back to Franklin and was asked to become a Math teacher for students with special needs and a substitute teacher, which she did for a total of 5 years. Overall, Mrs. Bourgeois taught students in the St. Mary Parish School System for 43 years. Mrs. Bourgeois loved her family and friends. Although she had a mild temperament and did not socialize much in her older years, her wisdom and knowledge has extended over to her family and the many students she educated. She was a Firm and Dignified Woman Filled with GOD'S LOVE. She was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur Bourgeois; her children, Audrey Wilkerson, Will Burton Jr. and Margaret C. White. Also her sister, Maugarite and one great grandson, Adam Ellis, preceded her in death. Mrs. Inez S. Bourgeois leaves to cherish her memories two sisters, Myrtle Hayes and June Gibson, both of New Orleans; one stepdaughter, Joyce Robinson; and one stepson, Reverend Albert (Viola) Bourgeois, both of Atlanta, Georgia; one daughter-in-law, Mrs. Theron Burton of Clovis, California; 15 grandchildren; 43 great grandchildren; 14 great great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Otis Mortuary of Franklin is in charge of preparations. ===================