Dorothy Ann Demars Schexnayder

Dorothy Ann Demars Schexnayder was affectionately known to the ones she loved and cared for as Mom, Mama, Maw Maw, Grandma, Sis, Dot and Miss Dot. She was born in Frost on March 27, 1937, to Jesse and Regina Poche' Demars and called French Settlement her home for the past 65 years of her life. Dot was an accomplished cook and ended her career as a professional chef; she enjoyed sharing recipes and continued to do so until she was called into the service of the Lord. Dot loved to cook and especially loved to cook for the people she loved - no one left her company going away hungry. She was a strong-willed lady and an independent thinker and doer; she dealt with a lot of adversity in her life and even those who knew her best never knew her to be one to complain. She believed in her children and struggled along the way, working hard to see that they were properly cared for and loved. Before becoming a star in area commercial kitchens, Dot shined as a basketball player when French Settlement High School won the state championships in 1954, 1955 and 1956; she later pursued general studies at Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond. She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Jewel Demars Hunt; and brothers, Mike Demars and Elmo Demars. Dot is survived by a daughter, Toni Schexnayder and fiancé, Doug Palmer, of Prairieville; and sons, Clay Schexnayder and wife, Pheobe Keller Schexnayder, of Sorrento, Keith Hutchinson, of French Settlement, and Charles Hutchinson and wife, Brenda Carbo Hutchinson, of Port Vincent; granddaughters, Angel Duffy, Cambre Schexnayder, Chaning Schexnayder and Hannah Hutchinson; and grandsons, Joshua Hutchinson and stepgrandsons, Beau Diez and Jonathan Diez; and a hand-fed, spoiled lapdog named Rudy. Visitation will be at Pine Grove Baptist Church in Bayou Barber from 8 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 1, conducted by the Rev. Pat Taylor. The Rev. Delmas Taylor will conduct graveside services at the church cemetery. Pallbearers will be Charles Hutchinson, Joshua Hutchinson, Keith Hutchinson, Doug Palmer, Clay Schexnayder and Perry Schexnayder. The family would like to take this opportunity to thank the doctors and staff at Tulane Medical Center for all of the care and attention during Dot's recent stay there. Please offer condolences at oursofh.com. Arrangements by Ourso Funeral Home, Gonzales.