Birth Date: 1944-04-06

Deceased Date: 2023-10-12

Obituary:
Mrs. Erma Jean Williams Batiste was born April 6, 1944, in Clarks, LA to the late Mrs. Doris Towers and Mr. Clarence Williams. Erma was schooled in Port Arthur, TX and was a 1963 graduate of Abraham Lincoln High School. After high school, Erma became a healthcare provider for many years. In 1983 she started working for the Port Arthur Independent School District as a child nutrition specialist until 1995.

In 1965, Erma met the love of her life---Raymond Batiste---or as she affectionately called him “Bat” in Port Arthur, TX. They dated and then married on October 26, 1967. Unto this beautiful union, were 5 kids - Jarin, Michael (deceased), Roderick, Raymond Jr. and Angela.

Erma and “Bat” relocated to Opelousas, LA in 1997 to enjoy their golden years. Erma enjoyed taking care of her family, working in her church as she was part of many organizations within the church. She stood firm on what Proverbs 31:10-31, as a virtuous woman. Erma took care of the household, children, and her husband. As stated in verse 11- the heart of her husband doth safely trusted in her, so that he shall have no need to spoil and did him good and not evil all the days of her life- even cooking together as her sickness grew worse. They were truly examples of their marriage vows. Erma was a great cook, she loved cooking for different holidays and occasions, sharing her infamous microwavable pecan candy recipe with our family reunion cookbook.

Cherishing her memories are her husband Raymond “Bat” Batiste, Sr., sons Jarin, Roderick and daughter in love Rachel, Raymond Jr and daughter in love Sophia, and daughter Angela. Four grandsons, Dominic and his wife Donna, Jules, Caleb, and Torian. Three great-granddaughters, Averie, Alana, and Aria. Daughter in love-Lena Batiste. One brother- Jarrett Towers and wife Mary, Sis-in-laws Catherine Titsworth, Barbara Jane Henson and husband Eddie, and Florine Batiste. Brother-in-laws, Alvin Batiste and wife Linda, Loyman Batiste and wife Mary Louise, Max Gallow, and Odell Clayton. Her Aunts Edna Davis and Alzenia White, and Uncle Tommie Davis. God children- Tamika Batiste, Anthony Hardy, and Ta’John Semien. A plethora of cousins, nieces, and nephews. A bonus son, Pastor Nicholas Thomas and daughter in love Lisa and their children. A bonus daughter, granddaughter, and great-granddaughter- Tammy Fontenette, Amanda Sonnier, and Paitin Bolen bonus great-granddaughter Londyn St. Julien. Special cousins and friends who called and checked in non-stop, Charles Chevis, Iresia Fontenot, Grace and Thomas Garnier, Bro. and Sis. Harold LaFleur, Evetta Green, Shirley Lewis, Yasmin (Peewee) Jerry, Sis. Mamie Pitre and the dedicated members of Mohorn Missionary Baptist Church.

Erma was preceded in death by her parents, her twin brother Eugene, and her second oldest son Michael Batiste.

A special thanks go out to Traditions Hospice with Dr. Ramirez, Family Doctor, Dr.Nix, and Dr. Fakoya and medical assistant Kay with Houston Methodist Sugarland Rheumatology, Janessa Derouselle and the staff of Prompt Succor Nursing and Rehabilitation Facility.

Birth Date: 1931-08-19

Deceased Date: 2009-09-13

Obituary:
Rosella Joseph Blue, along with her twin sister, was born on August 19, 1931, to the late Joe Joseph and Panina Lee Joseph in Opelousas (Plaisance), Louisiana. They were born 8th and 9th in a family of 10 children. Rosella departed this life on Sunday, September 13, 2009, 10:15PM at Dubuis Hospital of Lake Charles LA.

Rosella accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized by Rev. Adam Jospeh at the Star Light Baptist Church in Opelousas, LA. She was a member of Mt. Olive Baptist Church for 45+ years, where she faithfully served in the Mission Circle #4, Women's Choir and Senior Choir.

Rosella married Sam Blue Jr and to this union were born four children. She had 6 additional children from her first marriage to Martin Parish. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, sister and friend. She was loved by many, who loved her gumbo and okra, almost as much as they loved her.

Her family members memorialized with her include:
Sam Blue Jr (Spouse)
Martin Parish (Ex-Spouse)
Lionell Parish (Son)
Aaron Parish (Son)
Martin Parish (Son)
Sheryl Parish (Daughter)
Larry Parish (Son)
Sam Blue III (Son)
Justin T Blue (Son)
Kevin Blue (Son)

Birth Date: 1954-08-23

Deceased Date: 2021-09-25

Obituary:
Allen Lloyd Hall, Sr. (Pops to us) was born on August 23, 1954, in Beaumont, Texas, to the loving arms of James (PawPaw) and Lorena (MawMaw) Hall. From the start, he was a force to be reckoned with, and his journey through life was one filled with grit, heart, and a whole lot of elbow grease.

Allen was a proud graduate of Yates High School, and he didn’t stop there. He earned an associate's degree from Lee College and later, with a sense of pride that echoed in all of us, a bachelor's degree from Ashford University. This was no small feat, and we couldn't have been prouder of him.

From a young age, Allen discovered his passion for working with his hands. Whether it was fixing, building, or lending a hand, he could do it all. He was the kind of man who’d work seven days a week, pouring his energy into his job, his home, or helping out family and friends. If something needed doing, Allen was your guy.

Allen's career took him on the open road as a professional truck driver, specializing in hazardous materials. He was a master of the road, but when he wasn’t behind the wheel, you could find him enjoying a good meal (home-cooked, of course), catching a game or a western, playing a round of golf, or sharing his endless supply of stories and DIY hacks.

On Saturday, September 25, 2021, at the age of 67, Allen's journey came to an end in Houston, Texas. He now joins his parents, James and Lorena Hall; his brother, David W. Hall; his sister, Lula M. Woods; his grandparents, Virginia and David Hall and Lloyd and Philoman Harrison; and his siblings, Linda and Robert Hall, in eternal rest.

From the jewels of his heart, his beloved son, Allen Jr., and daughter, Caaron: Pops, you were our rock, our superhero, and the man we looked up to every day. Your love and guidance shaped us into the people we are today, and we will carry your strength, your wisdom, and your laughter with us always. You taught us the value of hard work, the joy in the simple things, and the importance of family. We will miss you more than words can express, but we know you're watching over us, just as you always have.

And Pops, we’ll always remember the way you’d shake your head and laugh at our "creative" attempts at DIY projects—just know we still might call you for help! We love you, Pops, now and forever.


Revelations 21:4

Birth Date: 1928-05-02

Deceased Date: 2022-03-11

Obituary:
An esteemed and passionate educator Esther Ruth Cassimere Thomas “Ruddie” transitioned on March 11, 2022 to her heavenly home. She was the last child of seven children born to Moses and Lelia Batiste Cassimere. Sister Esther Ruth Cassimere Thomas was a lifelong member of Mohorn Missionary Baptist Church. She accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age and was baptized at Mohorn Baptist Church by Reverend Sam A. Crowder. She served as an active member in the following ministries: Sunday School for 34 years, Mission Department and Senior Choir for 45 plus years. She also willingly served as a Vacation Bible School Teacher. Sister Esther Thomas participated in the Seventh District Association and Congress, representing Mohorn Baptist Church as a delegate, and she sung in the Seventh District Chorus for many years.

Esther Thomas married Solomon Thomas Sr. in 1946 and to this union were born five children. She loved her family and wanted nothing but the best for them. She would always say, “You have to get an education,” and she worked hard to push her children through college. With the assistance of Wilkin Jones, Jr., she earned her High School Equivalency Diploma (GED) through the St. Landry Parish School Board Adult Education Program. At age 45, she decided to further her education. In 1977, she completed a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education with an emphasis in Kindergarten, Nursery and Mentally Challenged Areas at Southern University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and she graduated on the Dean's List.

Her jobs in life, besides being a devoted mother, were a life-guiding counselor to many young people, an Insurance Agent, and at the Department of Human Resources a case worker. She was an educator at the following schools: Southwest Elementary, Opelousas Junior High, and Opelousas Developmental Center, St. Landry Parish.

Esther Thomas loved baking sweets; pies and cakes were her favorites. Also, she loved cooking. When her children were young and growing up, she was a seamstress and made her daughters and her own clothing. She enjoyed doing arts and crafts, especially ceramic pieces. She was also a lifelong member of the Eastern Star (Queen Esther Chapter #10) and a member of the Starlight Benevolent Society. Esther believed in making her voice heard through voting. She transported people from the community to vote in various elections.

Mourning her passing yet cherishing her memories are her five children: Kermit Earl Thomas, Sr. (Debra) of Opelousas, LA; Solomon Thomas Jr. (Vallie) of Baton Rouge, LA; Grace L. Garnier (Thomas) of Opelousas, LA; Mary L. Frilot (Henry) and Sharon R. Gaudin (Jeffery), both of Houston, TX; fifteen grandchildren, fifteen great grandchildren, five great-great-grandchildren, a play daughter Linda Thomas Sam, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Esther Thomas was preceded in death by her husband, Solomon Thomas, Sr.; parents, Moses and Lelia Batiste Cassimere; siblings, Martha Cassimere Brown, Daniel Cassimere, Dorothy Cassimere Sias, Gladys Cassimere Leday, Joshua Forrest Cassimere, Jessie Rea Cassimere White, and a grandson Moses Dwayne Thomas.