Hester Thibodeaux celebrates 100th birthday

Hester Thibodeaux of Eunice celebrated her 100th birthday at a gala celebration on April 8 in the Bishop Caesar Center with family and friends of nearly 300 people watching her slowly walk into the hall escorted by her son and daughter because earlier she told them she would enter in a wheelchair.
In the city of Church Point on April 9, 1917, the union of Alfin Thibodeaux and the former Regina Guidry welcomed to their family a daughter who they named Hester. She along with her seven sisters and four brothers grew up on their farm and attended what school they could and when they could in Lewisburg. Hester eventually married Ashton Thibodeaux, now deceased, and they parented 13 children during their 52 years of marriage.
Present for Saturday’s celebration were her children and their wives Joseph Lamson (Catherine), Manuel (Louvanna), Marshall (Loritha), Clarin (Catherine), John (Gilda), Gerald (Sadie Loretta), Joseph Clifton, Joseph “Rex”, David (Friend-Danetta Wade), Jacqueline, and (Dr.) Delores Thibodeaux. Mrs. Elizabeth T. Allison was hospitalized and could not attend and Lewis Lincoln is deceased. Also present were her 39 grandchildren, 56 great-grandchildren, 22 great- great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and associates from near and afar.
Several presentations were made to Thibodeaux which included Johnny Anderson, deputy chief of staff office of Gov. John B. Edwards who presented a proclamation from the governor stating Saturday as “Mrs. Hester Thibodeaux Day in Louisiana”. He also instructed Mr. Anderson, who is a native of Eunice, to make a personal gift in his absence. From the governor’s trip to Rome and audience with the pope, he sent a set of rosary beads that had been blessed by the pope to Thibodeaux and a few other personal gifts.
Representing the sheriff of St. Landry Parish was Hilman Popillion, the chief deputy, who presented a certificate. Germaine Simpson, along with Mayor Scott Fontenot and the Chief of Police Randy Fontenot, presented a certificate from the city of Eunice.
Representing St. Mathilda, Court 92 Mary Ann Guillory, the Grand Lady recognized her for many years of service to the Noble Order of the Knights of Peter Claver, Ladies Auxiliary. Mrs. Guillory was assisted by members of the organization who were present adorned in white uniform with purple corsages, their fellow sister’s favorite colors. Grand Lady Ardessie Francois, the Past State Deputy of Louisiana, Knights of Peter Claver, Ladies Auxiliary, presented her with a special and personal certificate for the support and encouragement she was given during her 50 years as a member of the organization and especially the 24 years she served as an officer on the local, district, state and national levels.
A highlight of the afternoon was a video presentation prepared by her granddaughter, Hollywood producer Yolanda T. Cochran, which featured pictures of Mrs. Thibodeaux over her 100 years at different phases of her life including picking cotton as a young lady and the time she was queen of the PTA at Charles Drew High School. It was stated that Mrs. Thibodeaux served as the parade marshal for the MLK Parade and was recognized by the National Association of University Women Eunice Branch during “Women in History Month”, as some of her highest accomplishments that she bragged about.
Decorations and color theme for the birthday gala were purple and white, Thibodeaux’s favorite colors. Many family and friends wore the colors of the day’s theme. Many attendees sang her favorite songs, “Blessed Assurance” or “Amazing Grace.” Thibodeaux joined in with the singing when she heard, “How Great Thou Art” because the song is her favorite.
The program of the gala birthday celebration honoring Mrs. Thibodeaux was titled, “Celebrating 100 Years of Love, Laughter, and Wisdom!” and all who knows Thibodeaux well can testify. As Ardessie Francois, added, “It is a joy when passing by her house on South Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. Drive on a Sunday to see the many cars parked there for the weekly gathering of family at mama’s house of sons, daughters, grandchildren and great-grands.
“Everyone still stops by just to say hello and get a hug and see how she is doing before they start their week. It is a tradition that has been in place for years and continues to this day to seek the ‘Love, Laughter, and Wisdom” of Mrs. Hester T. Thibodeaux, the 100 year old matriarch of the Thibodeaux Family.”
Submitted article and photo.