Obituaries

You could spend two, or even three, decades in retirement. So, to pay for all those years, you’ll probably need to take full advantage of your retirement accounts.

Elma Johnson Jarreau, a native and resident of Livonia, La., passed away on June 5, 2022 at the age of 93. Elma enjoyed being around the house doing whatever she could to keep herself busy. She loved spending time with her loved ones, cooking and visiting with her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed watching her family and listening to her son perform and play music, who performed all over the world, and that she was very proud of. Elma was survived by her four children, LeRoy “Rocky” Jarreau (Tonya W. Jarreau), Linda J. Slocum, Susan Soileau (Glenn Soileau), and Darlene Vallet (Orville Vallet); 8 grandchildren, Roy Jarreau Jr., Chris Jarreau, Tressy Guillot, Heidi Guillot Barrick, Jacob Soileau, Chantel Soileau, Cory Vallet, and Rebekah Vallet Persick; 14 great grandchildren; 3 great great grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews and loved ones. She was preceded in death by her 1st husband, LeeRoy Jarreau, who passed away at the age of 21; 2nd husband, Morrell Jarreau Jr.; parents, Mary and Frank Johnson; 1 sister and her 2 brothers. The visitation was held at Niland’s Funeral Home in Livonia, La. on Wednesday, June 8, 2022 from 9:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. The funeral service was held at 11:00 a.m. in the funeral home parlor. Entombment followed in St. Francis Cabrini Catholic Church Mausoleum. Pallbearers were Cory Vallet, Jared Persick and miniature pallbearer, Jake Persick, Roy Jarreau Jr., Trenton Jarreau, Jordan Gleason, and Oren Gleason. Honorary pallbearer were Jacques Barrick, Evan Gleason, Ames Barrick, and London Mechana. Many thanks to all of the family and friend, and special thanks to Warren Pourciau Jr.

Mary Elizabeth “Teedie” Smith died Saturday May 28th 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana at Chateau de Notre Dame Residence. She was born on November 5th, 1953, in New Roads, Louisiana residing there for many years as well as in St. Francisville, Louisiana where she had a number of devoted friends who cared for her. She relocated to New Orleans in 2020 and was 68 years old at the time of her death. “Teedie” was sweet, loving, unpretentious and generous, enjoying the company of her large extended family and friends. She took considerable pride in the accomplishments of her children and grandchildren. She will be deeply missed and her memory will be cherished by all who held her close. She attended Catholic High School of Pointe Coupee, graduating in 1972 then creating a home in New Roads with her (former) husband, Donnie Paul Landry, now of Lakeland, Louisiana. She is survived by her two children and their spouses: Lori Elizabeth Landry Deiperine and Erwin and Jeremy Allen Landry and April as well as six grandchildren: Claire Deiperine, Ethan Deiperine, Anna Landry, Addie Landry, Ashton Landry, Natalee Janis; four brothers: Charles Smith and Emily, Dodd Smith and Jenny, Crosby Smith, Guy Smith and two sisters: Winnifred Smith Whitner and Rich and Patrice Smith as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph Olivier St. Dizier “Boo” Smith Sr. and Marjorie Elizabeth Bouanchaud “Chuckie” Smith. Her stepmother Patricia Crosby “Pat” Smith and two brothers Joseph Olivier St. Dizier Smith, Jr., and Paul Raymond Smith. A private memorial service is expected with internment in St. Mary’s Cemetery, New Roads, Louisiana. Donations in her memory may be made to the funds of the Pointe Coupee Health Services Foundation https://www.pchhh.org/donate

John A. (Joe) Debetaz, Sr., a native of Morganza and a resident of Lakeland, passed away peacefully at 6:24 a.m. on Thursday, May 19, 2022, after a brief illness. Joe was born on February 15, 1928, to Arthur and Augustine (Lavergne) Debetaz in Morganza. After graduating from Morganza High School, he served two years in the U. S. Army, stationed in Occupied Japan.

Lemuel James Jack (aka ‘Rhinestone’) passed away suddenly on May 20, 2022. He was 60 years old. A life-long resident of Pointe Coupee Parish, Lemuel graduated Ros-enwald High School (Class of 1979) and earned degrees in Accounting and Economics from Southern University in Baton Rouge.

Born to the union of Stanley Jackson, Sr. and Torris Jackson on August 6, 1941, Stanley entered this world as the younger brother to Betty Jackson Grant. At a young age Stanley was baptized by Rev. EB Phillips at Second Baptist Church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge shall give me at that day, and not to me only but unto all them also that love his appearing.

On Thursday, May 19, 2022, Billy Faye Roberts was called home by our Lord Jesus Christ at age 91. The world has lost a great father, husband and leader. Bill was born in Campti, LA on December 3, 1930. His mother and father were Everett Faye Roberts and Mable Roberts of Colfax, LA, where Bill grew up and graduated high school. He is survived by his 3 sons, Mike Roberts, Pat Roberts and David Roberts; his 7 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.

Dr. Kenneth David St. Romain, Jr., a former resident of Baton Rouge, LA that currently resided in St. Francisville, LA, passed away on May 20, 2022 at the age of 45.