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George Dement Obituary

Mayor George Elyott

Dement, Jr.

BOSSIER CITY, LA - Former Mayor George Dement of Bossier City passed away at his country home in Frierson, LA, on Sunday, January 12, 2014, after a brief illness. Born January 23, 1922, in Princeton, LA, he was the son of George Elyott and Clara Depew Dement. Married to Sunshine Norris Dement June 10, 1946 until she passed away February 10, 2011. George and Sunshine had five children, Rev. Ann Montes, Steve, Walter and wife Beth, David (deceased) and Tim Dement and Donna Cotton; grandchildren, Steve Dement and wife Cissy, Marcus Dement (deceased), Shane Dement, Joel Dement, Creighton Dement, Jacob Dement and Heather Crask, Angela Dement Skillingstad and husband Monty; great grandchildren, Cameron Davis and wife Haley, Cole Davis, Cade, Jolie Bey, McKenna, Christian, Isabella, Sterling, Emmy, Elyott, Hazel Sunshine and Ezra Dement (grandson to be born on Mayor Dement's birthday January 23, 2014) and great great granddaughter, Kynsie Davis.

George served in the United States Navy during WWII as a cook on the U.S.S. Razorback submarine. He would send $70.00 per month of his military pay to Sunshine, which allowed her to save enough money to open their first restaurant across from the Strand Theater in Shreveport, LA. "George's Big Boy," served foot long hot dogs, po-boy sandwiches, homemade chili and hot apple pies. George opened one of the first restaurants in Shreveport to serve "po-boy" sandwiches. When he was a young teen, he had traveled with friends through New Orleans where a kind lady had offered him a sandwich made of French bread filled with mashed potatoes and black eyed peas. It was a famous South Louisiana sandwich that he decided to bring to North Louisiana. After the success of their first business, they began opening full service restaurants in the area. At one time they owned nine different cafes in Shreveport-Bossier. George 's philosophy was, "If one is good, more is better."

After spending many years in the service and food industry, George decided it was time for a new venture. Sunshine was teaching full time at Greenacres Jr. High and working at their restaurants after school. In 1967, there was a brand new Holiday Inn Motel opening up in Bossier City and George was offered the position of General Manager for the restaurant and motel. They sold their restaurants, rented their house out on Delhi Street, and moved to the on-site apartment at the motel. He had no hotel experience, but found the hospitality industry was his "calling." He and Sunshine had a gift of treating their hotel guests like family. George would serve the Sunday buffet and become lifelong friends to many of his customers (and future political supporters.) He was so good at his job that during his twenty-two years of hotel/restaurant management, he was awarded Holiday Inn's Best Innkeeper of the World two times.

In 1989 the civic minded George decided he would like to run for mayor of Bossier City. He was elected by a landslide vote, and he and Sunshine approached the responsibility together. When he found himself sitting in the mayor's chair, he often wondered what he had gotten himself into. He said it took awhile, but soon learned that he was well qualified for the job. The hospitality, restaurant, hotel/motel, and the convention and tourist business had well prepared him to run the city. It's a much bigger business to oversee, but it is essentially the same - to provide for the comfort, safety and well being of the people of Bossier City. He also attributed his success to Harry Truman's philosophy of surrounding himself with good people. Even though Mayor Dement had the last word in city decisions, he encouraged his staff to be "self-thinkers and planners," and it had a very positive outcome for the city.

When Mayor Dement left office in 2005, Bossier City was recognized as the safest, cleanest and fastest growing city in Louisiana. After encouraging and welcoming the river boat gaming industry, he was able to dedicate the additional funds for building Century Link, the Arthur Ray Teague Parkway, and the Benton Road overpass. He was also instrumental in increasing the size of the police and fire departments, acquiring cameras and computers for the police cars, and added four new fire stations, located strategically around the city. He also oversaw the completion of the Louisiana Boardwalk in Bossier City.

Mayor Dement served the City of Bossier from 1989-2005. He was 68 years old when first elected and 84 upon retirement. In 2005, he and Sunshine moved from their home on Delhi Street to her family home place and cattle farm in Frierson, LA. When asked what he'd like to be remembered for, George says, "That I'm a praying man and God answers prayers." George and Sunshine were active members of First Baptist Bossier for many decades and later built the Kingston Baptist Church on their family property. Mayor Dement was active in many civic organizations including Toastmasters International, The Rotary Club, The Optimist Club, and the Shreveport Sports For Boys Club. He served on the board of Willis Knighton Hospital, The Salvation Army, The Louisiana Hotel and Motel Association, The Shreveport- Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau, and a variety of other organizations.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, January 15, 2014 at First Baptist Bossier at 10:30 a.m. Services will be officiated by ministers, Sonny DePrang, Randy Harper, Rocky Maddox and Buddy Puryear. Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Frierson, LA. Visitation will be Tuesday, January 14, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., and Wednesday, January 15, 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at First Baptist Bossier.

Honoring George as pallbearers will be Stevie Dement, Shane Dement, Joel Dement, Jacob Dement, Danny Dison and Terry Hamous. Honorary pallbearers will be the Citizens of the City of Bossier.

The family requests in lieu of flowers, that donations be made to your charity of choice.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Shreveport Times from Jan. 14 to Jan. 16, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for George Dement

Not sure what to say?





Jeannie Herman

January 8, 2025

Such fond memories of your kindness

Thomas Roberts

February 13, 2014

I send my expressions of sympathy and sadness to Mrs. Dement and the entire Dement family upon hearing of the passing of Mayor Dement. He was always very kind and helpful to me during my tenure in North Louisiana, and I will always remember his sincerity and love for his family, friends and those he served. I know that he is resting in peace, and smiling down on all of us.

Chaplain Ray Fritz

January 18, 2014

I forgot to mention that Mayor Dement was a member of the Lousiana Base United States Submarine Verterans WWII.
Chaplain Ray Fritz

Chaplain Ray Fritz

January 18, 2014

On behalf of the United States Submarine Veterans (USSVI), we offer our sincere condolences to all of Mayor Dement's children and family and friends as you mourn his passing. May God whisper peace into your hearts, comfort, and heal them. We are grateful for George's dedicated and courageous service to our country in the U.S. Submarine Service during WWII on the USS R-14 SS-91 and the USS Razorback SS-394 on which he was a Plankowner and made War patrols 1-2-3-4-5. God still answers prayers. To our “Brother of the Dolphin” we say … "Sailor, rest your oar. We have the watch. May you rest in peace and may God bless your loved ones who remain. Thank you for your service to our country."

George Elyott Dement, Jr., SC2(SS), US Navy, Now on Eternal Patrol.
Fair Winds and Following Seas Shipmate
Rev. Ray Fritz, National Chaplain United States Submarine Veterans, USSVI.

May the love, honor, and loyalty to all of us that was shared by his selfless acts flow like the waterfall of beauty to all the lives he touched.

Sheila and Judy (Blue's sister)

January 18, 2014

Steve,Cissy and family. Please know that you all are in our hearts and prayers with this tremendous loss of your father and wonderful man. Please know we are here for you and thank you kindly for all you have done for us. (Blue Desoto's sister, Judy McMenis; Niece, Sheila Watkins; Nephew, John W. Pilinski,Jr.; great nephews and joys of life-Cj and Brian. We send our love, prayers, and thoughts to you and yours and are saddened by your great loss.

Frances Moore Contaro

January 16, 2014

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Billy Horton

January 15, 2014

Tim and family, I was saddened to hear of the passing of your father. Mr. Dement was the one of the finest men I have ever met. I remember my days as a young man waiting on him at Pope's and I could tell then he was a good person. Not only did he make Bossier a better place to live he made the world a better place to live.

Linda Bolea-Kirk

January 15, 2014

Please except our condolences at this time of your sorrow. Please do not morn his loss forever for he is not truly gone. He remains by your sides until the day that you are reunited in haven. I remember my father talking about Mayor Dement all the time. They were friends until his passing in 2005. Mayor Dement will never be forgotten in Bossier City. He has done so much good that I believe that The City Of Bossier would not be wear it is today. Thank You to George Dement and his entire family for all of his years of service to Bossier Parish.

JoJo Garza

January 15, 2014

George Dement was truly a great man. His accomplishments toward the good for this area are unmatched, but his love for people was his most outstanding trait. He was an inspirition for all, but affected so many young men's lives for good. I loved the relationship he had with his children. They had so much respect for their dad. What a legacy.

Jeannie Herman

January 15, 2014

Mayor Dement was always so nice to everyone and he listened. I know he will be missed by many although he did not leave, he only went ahead of you. Sunshine will be happy to reunite with her sweetie! Thinking of you guys and I send my love your way…

Agatha Fertitta-McCall

January 15, 2014

I know Mr. George is having an awesome homecoming with his Lord and Savior Jesus and Ms. Sunshine and all the family that gone before him. Please, know how much the Fertitta family loves all the Dement family and we are praying for each one until we all meet again in Heaven. Until then rest in peace our sweet Mayor.

January 15, 2014

Our thoughts and Prayers are with you and your family. God Bless you all!

Chuck and Theresa Rankin

Michele Gute

January 15, 2014

Ann and Family,
I'm so, so sorry for your loss. We are praying for you Grand Ann and your whole family, that Jesus would comfort you all. God Bless You.

Victor Pizzolato

January 14, 2014

RIP, Mayor Dement. My sincerest condolences to the Dement family.

Bobby & Mary Baker

January 14, 2014

To the entire Dement Family, may you find peace in knowing Mr George is with his Sunshine again and walking the streets of gold. May God Bless each one of you as you comtinue on. It was a great blessing to know the entire Dement family. We will miss you Mr. George.

Terry Adley

January 14, 2014

It has been a long time since I have seen you folks but I still remember all the fun we used to have in the little house in the back, down the street feeding the bull, and going to the farm. I always loved your mom and dad and they were some of the best people I have ever known, along with all the kids. Just know that He and Ms Dement will always be remembered with fond memories. I still love all of you even though we never see each other. God Bless your family and remember we will all be together again someday

Ron & Lynn Peters

January 14, 2014

It was an honor to have known you and lived in your fair city. Rest in peace and thanks for all the good you have done.

Darrell Richardson

January 14, 2014

Steve and Family,
George was a stand up guy, a true leader and a man of God. Thanks to him, the city of Bossier is a much better place. Knowing him has blessed my life. I know he was happy to see Sunshine.

Jane Wynne

January 14, 2014

Ann and family,
I'm very sorry to hear about the loss of your father. Please accept my deepest condolences for your family's loss. May God bless you and your wonderful family.

Virginia Thomas

January 14, 2014

Mr. Dement gave my mom her first job. She always told me really nice things about him. After many years, he still remembered my mom. Prayers for the family. May God continue to keep you all.

Beverly Aaron

January 14, 2014

Dement Family, You are in our hearts, thoughts and prayers during this time and the days ahead. We loved your Dad and all of you as well. Our thoughts and prayers. Danny and Beverly Aaron

Becky Smith-Terry

January 14, 2014

Dear Ann, Steve, Walter & Tim ~ Both of your folks were such a joy to be around. I loved your mom when she was my Jr. High PE teacher and very much enjoyed my first real job your dad granted me at the Holiday Inn while I was in high school and college. My greatest Holiday Inn years were when I worked the night audit with your brother David ~ we had such a fun time. My greatest memories of your dad was listening to him in the Toastmasters Humorous Speech Contests. So, so funny ~ no one could beat him in my opinion! I'm so glad he and my dad (Charles Smith) were good friends. When he spoke at my dad's funeral nearly 4 years ago now, he, of course, had a joke to tell and I appreciated his lifting the spirits of those present. I pray now at this time of loss, that your spirits will be lifted by all the wonderful memories so many people have of both of your parents.

James Pigue'

January 14, 2014

To the Dement Family, may God Bless you in his special way. My family and I were friends first, and then I worked for Mr. Dement many years. Each time I saw George in the early morning at City Hall he would say " It's a Great Day in Bossier City ". We will always remember his kindness and devotion to his Family and Work. He always had the time to speak, and was very easy to visit. He is now Home, with his work complete, and it truly is A Great Day in Bossier City. James O. Pigue', Chief Electrical Inspector City of Bossier City.

Suzanne and Tony Brooks

January 14, 2014

Just know that y'all have 2 guardian angels watching out over you..We are praying for you....they are walking the streets of gold together..

Zella Taggart

January 14, 2014

Prayers are with each of you, know that God has once again welcomed one of His faithful home.

Mr & Mrs M.C. Harrison

January 14, 2014

Please accept our deepest sympathies in the loss of a great patriot and christian who led by example. He was a dedicated Legionnaire and Military Voyageur who continued to serve. He was an outstanding Mayor who left a great legacy.

Deborah Abraham

January 14, 2014

To the Dement family.Such a great loss for everyone.He was a kind and gentle man.He is at peace,and with the ones he has loved and loss,in his long and productive life.....

Freda (Faye) Stevens ( Ezernack)

January 14, 2014

When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure. Although it's difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, may looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow. Prayers are with you. God bless

For the Commanders, Carroll R. Michaud

January 14, 2014

The Final Salute

“Brothers in Arms”, Military men and women down through the centuries, have traditionally exchanged “Hand Salutes” as a sign of recognition and as a way to render courtesy and respect one to another.

This “Hand Salute” is the last that we shall render to George Elyott Dement, Jr. our Brother-in-Arms, fellow Legionnaire and former Bossier City mayor. To his family it symbolizes the love and respect that we have for George. And to George it is rendered as a symbol of honor and gratitude to thank him for the devoted and selfless service he rendered to his country during WW-II while serving as a submariner in the U.S. Navy and for his loyal support of the American Legion Post 14 and the citizens of Bossier City and Shreveport. George, you were a great mayor, a valued Legionnaire, a wonderful comrade, and a true Patriot. We bid you a sad farewell. You will be dearly missed from among our ranks. Be at Ease. Rest in Peace.

On behalf of the 1,261 military veteran Legionnaires of Lowe-McFarlane Post 14 of the American Legion and the 233 veterans of VFW Post 2238 in Shreveport, Louisiana, we extend our sympathies and our condolences to George's family and loved ones.

Stephen J. Lavery, Commander, American Legion Post 14
5315 South Lakeshore Drive, Shreveport, LA 71109

James Mazariz Commander, VFW Post 2238
1245 Gary Street, Shreveport, LA 71101

LOUISIANA MUNICIPAL ASSOCIATION Officers, Board, Members and Staff

January 14, 2014

Extending our sincerest sympathy to your family at this time of sorrow. Mayor Dement was a friend to all, and will be remembered fondly always.

Patti Boyd-McCrory

January 14, 2014

Our family had many good meals at the Holiday Inn cafeteria after church on Sundays. They were the sweetest couple you would ever want to meet!! am praying for his wonderful family.

Rhonda Whitten

January 14, 2014

Thank you for everything you taught me in my early career years as your Executive Secretary with Holiday Inn Bossier City, LA. It is an honor to know you and your family.

Bill Whitten

January 14, 2014

God Bless. Rest in peace Mr. Dement.
Our prayers are with you all.

Jerry McMenis

January 14, 2014

Ann, I am so sorry for your loss.

Frank & Kathy Zator

January 14, 2014

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Eugene Bickley

January 14, 2014

Tim, Steve and the family, Mr. Dement was the finest Mayor Bossier City ever had and was a great visionary. He is now rejoined with Sunshine. He will be missed dearly by all who knew him. The Great Greek Poet Sophocles once wrote which is good to hear these comforting words in these trying times, " One must wait till the evening, to see how splendid the day has been. " I know for Mr. Dement it must have been a splendid day indeed !!!God speed to you all !!

Pam Armstrong-Twohig

January 14, 2014

Having lived across the street from Mr. Dement for 49 years, I truly know the blessings that came from knowing him. He is now rejoicing in the arms of Jesus with Sunshine at his side.

Jeanette Edmiston

January 14, 2014

God Bless you all and find comfort in knowing that your dad and mom left a wonderful legacy for the people of Bossier. I am so blessed to have known your dad and mom. No doubt that Heaven welcomed him with open arms.

Billy Anderson

January 14, 2014

Thank you for the service,to Bossier City,as mayor.Thank you for your restaurants....you and Sunshine,are now together.God bless you,your friends and family.R.I.P.,Mr Dement.

Anne Briggs

January 14, 2014

May the family be comforted at this time and know that he is now sitting at the right hand of GOD. He was such a visionary for Bossier and truly a gift to all.

Jenny Senier

January 14, 2014

Steve, Tim and family. Tim, myself and The rest of the Yogie and Friends gang send you our prayers for the loss of your dad. I know you will miss him terribly. He and Sunshine are back in each other's arms again and are also there sharing stories with Marcus. God bless you all.

Karen Mann

January 14, 2014

Thank you Mr. Dement for all the good you gave to Bossier City. You and Sunshine were love by all and were very special to all citizens of Bossier. May you rent in peace.

Ken Kennington

January 14, 2014

I grew up with the Dement family and was blessed to have known Mr Dement and will have you all in my prayers

Henry Hanisee

January 14, 2014

Most of you know Mr. Dement as the Mayor of Bossier City. I know him as a neighbor (as our family lived near by) and as a boss. He hired me out of high school to work on cleaning the Holiday Inn pools back in the mid-70's. The day started early, but the walking commute took less than 5 minutes. He was fair and good and had a great rapport with the staff...we knew that he cared.
May he rest in peace and my deepest condolences to his family.

MIKE WRIGHT

January 14, 2014

I WAS REALLY SADDENED TO HEAR OF MR. GEORGE'S PASSING. HE WAS TRULY A GREAT MAN.
I WORKED FOR MR. GEORGE AS A BELLHOP AT THE HOLIDAY INN WHEN I WAS 15 YEARS OLD. I LEARNED FROM HIM THAT TAKING CARE OF THE CUSTOMER WAS THE FIRST AND MOST IMPORTANT PRIORITY. AND I HAVE LIVED BY THIS KNOWLEDGE ALL OF MY LIFE.

HE WILL BE GREATLY MISSED BY ALL WHO KNEW HIM.

MIKE WRIGHT

Rhonda Whitten

January 13, 2014

Rest in peace Mr. Dement. May God bless you all.
With love;

Tina Burch

January 13, 2014

Rest in peace. Thank you for sharing your life and family in Shreveport/Bossier. Well done. May the God of all comfort be with you all.

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