RSS Feed

Morgan City High seniors graduate Friday night

Fri, 05/29/2020 - 11:40am

The Morgan City High School Class of 2020 will hold its graduation ceremony at 6:30 p.m. Friday at the Morgan City High School Stadium.
The Class of 2020 will be led by summa cum laude graduates, Hannah Adams and Michelle Lam, both of whom have earned a 4.0 cumulative grade point averages.
Here are biographies provided by the schools:
Hannah Adams
Hannah Adams is the daughter of Carrie and Junior Adams. She plans to attend the University of Louisiana at Monroe where she will pursue a degree in nursing. She was a member of the Tiger Ambassadors, BETA and Student Council. She was also a member of the swim team. She has been involved as a volunteer with Autism Walk, Special Olympics, The Purple Lemon, and has tutored numerous students.
Michelle Lam
Michelle Lam is the daughter of Huong Huynh and Thanh Lam. She was the 2019-20 MCHS Student of the Year. She plans to attend the University of Louisiana at Lafayette where she will major in chemical engineering. She was a member of BETA, Foreign Language Society, FCCLA and the New Generation Forum. She was awarded the Mason’s Honesty and Integrity Award and was a volunteer at the Purple Lemon.
Adams and Lam were both part of the first-place team at the NSU MACH XII Math Competition held at Nicholls State University this past March.
Graduates also earning summa cum laude recognition are: Drew Angeron, Carson Gagliano, Mackenzie Ronsonet, Chelsey Barahona, Alexa Holmes, Juliana Santos, Austin Blair, Mackenley Landry, Isaiah Soto, Myllah Brown, Dillon Nguyen, Leah Stockstill, Eulises Calderon, Kevankumar Patel, Kyle Waldron, Eduardo Chapa, Kameron Patureau, Ashanta Williams, Jacie Daigle, Emilena Perot and Madison Williams.

Patterson High graduation will be Saturday at stadium

Fri, 05/29/2020 - 11:36am

Patterson High School’s 2020 graduation will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at the school’s football stadium.
Leading the graduates will be 4.0 students Jennifer Jasso, Emma Grace Marin and Riley Teeple.
Here are biographies provided by the school.
Jennifer Jasso
Jennifer Jasso, daughter of Sonia Zermeno and Gustavo Jasso, has been part of the academically gifted program all four years.
She has been in several honor bands, has been field sergeant and drum major for the school band, Timberland Regiment. She learned she wanted to be an archaeologist during sixth grade and has been making good use of dual enrollment classes.
She has been an active member of the BETA and drama clubs and was class president her sophomore year. She will attend the University of New Orleans and hopes to make the most of her college experience by entering organizations such as the honors program, student council, and visual and performing arts programs.
Emma Grace Marin
Emma Grace Marin is the daughter of Robert and Summer Marin. She has been part of the volleyball and softball teams for the past four years and has participated in BETA club, talented art, and quiz bowl. She became the founding president of reinstating Key Club her junior year and continued as president her senior year.
She was named Miss PHS. She plans to attend the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and major in English.
Riley Teeple
Riley Teeple is the daughter of Mary Guzdial and Byron Teeple. She plans to attend ULL and study to become an OBGYN.

JEFFREY D. BROWN

Fri, 05/29/2020 - 11:33am

10/12/62 — 05/26/20
Jeffrey Brown, a native of Florida and a resident of Morgan City, La., was called to his Heavenly home on Tuesday, May 26, 2020, surrounded by his loving family.
Jeff was a fun-loving, free-spirited soul who brought laughter to his family and many friends. There was never a dull moment when he was around. Whether he was setting up for a day at the beach or a day on his motorcycle, he was sure to end up with a new adventure story to tell his co-workers. His endless supply of love and energy never left his nieces or grandchildren without entertainment. He created memories that will forever be cherished.
Jeff will be deeply missed by his wife and soulmate, Dayna Brown and daughter of his heart, Desi Duke; his mother, Kathy Jones; his father, Larry Brown and wife, Yvonne; his twin brother, Greg Brown; and other siblings, Darren Brown, Louis Shinaman and Lisa Brown; his brother and sister-in-law, Troy and Denice Brinson; his nieces and nephews, Kaylie Brinson, Ali Andrus, Savannah Norwood, Shelby Brady, J.P. Doiron, Dalisha Duke, Michael Thompson, Maddie Shinaman and Isabella Shinaman; his grandchildren, Rhett and Raylee; and a host of great- nieces and nephews.
Jeff was preceded in death by his son, Kamen Brown; brother-in-law, Jimmy Doiron; and mother-in-law, Roslyn Doiron.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, June 1, 2020, from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. Due to the current requirements regarding social distancing and limited gatherings, Hargrave Funeral Home can only allow up to 75 guests at a time in the facility.
Those unable to attend the visitation due to gathering restrictions are encouraged to leave the family words of comfort online via the add memory link. The family thanks everyone for their love, support, and understanding at this time.

WILLIS JAMES TOUCHET

Fri, 05/29/2020 - 11:30am

September 8, 1943 — May 28, 2020
Jennings: The family and friends of Willis Touchet are mourning the loss of their loved one who was called from this life on May 28, 2020.
Willis was born in Jennings, LA to James Dozia Touchet and Azema Allemand Touchet on September 8, 1943.
He enjoyed working on motors and was a member of the singles social club. Willis was an avid outdoorsman, especially when he was fishing and hunting. He loved spending quality time visiting with friends and family. Willis also loved dancing, which he was extremely enthusiastic about. He had an overall true love for life and lived it fully. Willis will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Willis is survived by his son, Patrick Touchet of Lake Charles, LA; daughters, Suzanna (Steven) Cox of Houma, LA and Jennifer Touchet of Jennings, LA; six grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; companion, Barbara Abshire of Sulphur, LA; brother, Don (Betty) Touchet of Hathaway, LA; sister, Margia (Lester) Barrilleaux of Andrus Cove, LA; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Willis was preceded in death by his parents, James D. Touchet and Azema A. Touchet; brothers, Harold Broussard, Eddie Dean Touchet and Francis Adam Touchet; wife of 25 years, and the mother of his children, Mildred Trahan Touchet; and his long-time companion, Daisy Mae Billiot.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Willis James Touchet, 76, will be held at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Jennings, LA, on Monday, June 1, 2020, at 10 a.m. with Father Susil Fernando officiating. Visitation will be held at Matthews and Son Funeral Home on Sunday, May 31, 2020, from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. with a Rosary recited at 6 p.m. by the Catholic Daughters. Visitation will resume on Monday, June 1st from 8 a.m. until the time of his Funeral Mass. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery following his Mass.
To extend online condolences, please visit our website at www.matthewsandsonfuneralhome.net.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Matthews & Son Funeral Home.

KAY FRANCIS SASSER VINSON

Fri, 05/29/2020 - 11:27am

Kay Francis Sasser Vinson passed away at age 80 after a lengthy illness. She was born in Brookhaven, Mississippi, and resided in Morgan City, Louisiana.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Joe Vinson; son, John Vinson; and infamously bad dog, Killer.
She is survived by a brother Wiley Bert Sasser Jr.; a sister, Connie Jo Sasser; her son, Barry Vinson and his children: Matthieu Vinson, Michael Vinson, Daniel Vinson and Luc Vinson; John’s children, Hanah Vissepo and Seth Vinson; her daughter Jo Ann Vinson; and two beloved dogs, Sweet Pea and Lucky.
Ms. Kay loved renting drill pipe and bad dogs, in that order. Shortly after Sub Surface Tools was founded in 1970, she went to work alongside Joe, while holding down two other jobs to pay the bills until the company got on its feet. In 1984, Sub Surface Tools became one of the first woman-owned oilfield services companies in Louisiana. While Joe entertained customers, Ms. Kay ran the business. Through constant learning and a willingness to adapt, she allowed the company to thrive through the ebbs and flows of the oil and gas industry. Rather than accept praise for her accomplishments, she’d always laugh and say, “I’m just a dumb country girl from Mississippi.” Anyone who ever met her knew that only part of that was true.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the LASPCA.
Visitation will be held at Hargrave Funeral Home in Morgan City on Tuesday, June 2nd between 6-9 p.m. Burial will be held at Arlington Baptist Church cemetery in Bogue Chitto, Mississippi on Wednesday, June 3rd at 1:30 p.m. Due to the current requirements regarding limited gatherings, Hargrave Funeral Home can only allow up to 75 guests in the facility during the visitation while friends and families attending the graveside service are encouraged to follow social distancing procedures.
Hargrave Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

SHIRLEY MITCHELL DUKE

Fri, 05/29/2020 - 11:24am

Shirley Mitchell Duke, 83, a native of Houma and resident of Morgan City, died Monday, May 25, 2020.
Visitation will be Saturday from 11 a.m. until services at 1 p.m. at House of Prayer in Thibodaux. Burial will be in St. Peter Baptist Cemetery, Thibodaux.
She is survived by two daughters, Jewell Duke and Belisa Duke; two sons, Dwayne Duke Sr. and Dale Duke; a sister, Eva Spinks; 15 grandchildren; and 29 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, a daughter, a son, her parents and 16 siblings.
Landry’s Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

NIGAL T. SPAN

Fri, 05/29/2020 - 11:22am

Nigal T. Span, 39, a native and resident of Patterson, died Sunday, May 24, 2020, at his residence.
He is survived by his mother, Cora B. Spain of Patterson; three brothers, Herman Span Jr. and Milton Span, both of Morgan City, and Montreal Span of Berwick; a sister, Aline Long of St. Louis, Missouri; and a host of other relatives.
He was preceded in death by his father, and maternal and paternal grandparents.
Visitation will be Monday from 10 a.m. until services at 11 a.m. at Jones Funeral Home in Morgan City, with masks required. A private service will be held. Burial will follow in Home Industrial Cemetery in Patterson.
Services will be accessible at time of service on the Jones Funeral Home Facebook page.
Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

JIMMY PATRICK SONS SR.

Fri, 05/29/2020 - 11:20am

Jimmy Patrick Sons Sr., 70, a native of Berwick, former resident of Morgan City and resident of Birch Tree, Missouri, died Wednesday, May 27, 2020, at Baton Rouge General Hospital.
He is survived by his wife, Betty DeHart Sons of Birch Tree, Missouri; seven children, Joseph Sons of New Iberia, Michael Sons of Birch Tree, Missouri, Tammy Gary of Youngsville, Peggy Gober of Patterson, Marilyn Townsend of Alton, Missouri, Crystal Dugas of Marshfield, Missouri and Jimmy Sons Jr. of Erath; 22 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; a brother, Barry Sons; and two sisters, Irma Lombes and Dianne Sheehan.
He was preceded in death by his parents and 10 siblings.
Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. Saturday and again Sunday from noon until services at 2 p.m. at Twin City Funeral Home with up to 75 guests allowed at a time.
Burial will be in Birch Tree, Missouri.
Twin City Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

AUDREY MAE COMEAUX

Fri, 05/29/2020 - 11:15am

Audrey Mae Comeaux, 81, a native of Morgan City and resident of Patterson, died Wednesday, May 27, 2020, at Ochsner St. Mary.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Visitation will be Saturday from 9 a.m. until services at 10 a.m. at Twin City Funeral Home, with up to 75 guests allowed at a time. Burial will follow in Morgan City Cemetery.
Twin City Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Poet laureate, who has Morgan City ties, receives fellowship

Fri, 05/29/2020 - 11:10am

The Academy of American Poets has awarded Louisiana Poet Laureate John Warner Smith a prestigious Laureate Fellowship, given to honor poets of literary merit serving in civic positions around the country.
Smith, who was born in Morgan City and still has family here, was named poet laureate in 2019 by Gov. John Bel Edwards. He received $50,000 as part of the award to produce meaningful, and innovative projects in Louisiana. In partnership with the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities and local schools, Smith will conduct youth poetry workshops in four under-resourced parishes in northeast Louisiana’s Delta parishes.
Smith joins 23 other poets around the country who received a Laureate Fellowship. He earned his Master of Fine Arts at the University of New Orleans and is the author of four published collections of poetry. A Cave Canem fellow, Smith has directed Education’s Next Horizon and teaches English at Southern University in Baton Rouge.
“John Warner Smith’s writing captures the human experience through meaningful, passionate poetry that moves your emotions. John is not only a talented and gifted poet, he is a trailblazer who devotes himself to education and the greater good of the community,” Edwards saidn.
Smith’s poems have appeared in numerous literary journals across the country, including Ploughshares, Callaloo, North American Review and Missouri Review, and he is the winner of the 2019 Linda Hodge Bromberg Poetry Award. Much of his poetry draws upon African American history and his personal experiences of growing up and living in the South.
“Here at the LEH we are proud to not only manage the Poet Laureate selection process, but also to support meaningful interaction with poetry around the state,” said LEH President/Executive Director Miranda Restovic. “John has worked hard to make himself available across Louisiana in person and during the COVID-19 crisis online, and this recognition from the academy confirms what we already knew — he is a poet of extraordinary talent and commitment.”
The Academy of American Poets has awarded 23 individuals with Laureate Fellowships to lead civic poetry programs in their respective communities in the year ahead. They will each receive $50,000 for a combined total of $1.1 million. The Academy also awarded the LEH a $9,000 matching gift in support of Louisiana Poet Laureate programming.
The fellowship program is made possible by The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. For more information about the fellowship, including the full list of recipients, visit poets.org/academy-american-poets-awards-1-million-poets-laureate.