After 103+ years of living on God’s earth, Lelia Elizabeth McManus Fontenot entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior on September 18, 2019. Lelia was a beloved daughter, wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt and friend.
Lelia was born in Beaumont, Texas on August 9, 1916 to Bertie and Aubrey McManus. She was the first of four children along with 2 brothers, Tom and Harold and sister Marion. In 1924 the family moved to Eunice where Lelia spent the remainder of her long life. She graduated from Eunice High School being the last surviving member of the class of 1934. She began her nursing career at the old Eunice Clinic where she met Coleman “Red” Fontenot who became her husband and best friend for the next 39 years. In a six-year span they were blessed with four daughters, Sue, Bonnie, Anne and Faye. They loved their girls with all their hearts. After further schooling, Lelia became a medical records technician working at and retiring from Moosa Memorial Hospital.
At age 66, Lelia suddenly lost the love of her life. Being a determined woman, she began a life on her own. Besides her husband, Red, she was predeceased by her parents, brothers, sister and two sons-in-law, Hubert J. “Kutch” Rougeau and Nolan Fontenot, Jr.
She is survived by her four daughters, Sue Rougeau Fontenot, Bonnie (Eric) Pratt, Anne (Hank) Roper and Faye (David) Langley. She was grandmother to Monelle Rougeau, Jeanne Mann, Robert Dowdy, Stephani Rougeau, Angela Conner, Geoffrey and Mary Pratt, Pam Roper, Brad Langley and great grandmother to Sydney and Aubrey Mann, Lili Walker, Bryn Langley, Emmie and Alyse Dowdy. They called her “Great” which described her well. Her love extended to many nieces and nephews whom were adored and treasured. Family was everything to her and she never quit thanking God for her loving family.
Lelia lived a life that showed her whole-hearted love for the Lord. She was a devoted and oldest living member of First Baptist Church Eunice. Her life was one of service to others, humility, compassion, concern and unconditional love for family, friends and anyone put in her path. She was known for her commitment to praying for others. Once on her prayer list, you were there to stay until she was told otherwise!
The family wishes to thank Dr. Juliette Robinson, Grace Home Health, Grace Hospice Palliative Care, her caregivers and family and friends - all who gave loving care and support during the last few years of Lelia’s journey.
A service celebrating her life will be held Monday, September 23rd at 1:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church Eunice, officiated by Pastors Travis Turner, Tim Moffett, and Clark Palmer. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until service time at the church.
In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions be given to First Baptist Church Eunice, Acadian Baptist Center and State Library of Louisiana (Talking Books and Braille Library Division).
“Let my roots grow down into Him and let my life be built on Him.” Colossians 2:7 NLT
Family and friends may view this obituary and sign the guestbook at www.ardoinfuneralhomes.com
Ardoin’s Funeral Home of Eunice, 1301 West Laurel Ave, (337)457.3371 is in charge of arrangements.