Felicite Espree

Felicite Arceneaux Espree was born on September 21, 1934, in Raywood, Texas. She was the sixth child of Effie and Norris Arceneaux, Sr. Felicite spent her formative years in Raywood, where she was raised by a close-knit family rooted in strong Christian values. 

On February 11, 1956, Felicite was united in holy matrimony to Columbus Gene Espree. This sacred union marked the beginning of a beautiful love story that would span more than 66 years. It was remarkable that the couple were baptized together on the same day at Our Mother of Mercy Catholic Church in Ames, Texas. Their marriage was built on love, patience, Christian values, and, above all, a deep commitment to family. From this union, they were blessed with four children: Vincent, Lisa, Pamela, and Kenneth Espree. Faith was always at the center of their home, and the family faithfully attended St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in San Antonio, Texas, for over 40 years. Together, Felicite and Gene were an unstoppable team—always supporting one another and consulting each other before making major decisions. It was often said that they were “attached at the hip,” as it was rare to see one without the other. 

Felicite was deeply devoted to her family and worked faithfully for 35 years as a nurse at Audie Murphy VA Medical Center and Wilford Hall Medical Center, where she cared for others while helping to support her family. Beyond her commitment to family, Felicite found joy in cooking, playing cards—especially Wahoo—traveling, and spending quality time with her grandchildren. Summers were often spent in San Antonio with Grandma and Grandpa, creating cherished memories through family time and trips to Fiesta Texas and SeaWorld. 

Felicite lived a full and blessed life, reaching the remarkable age of 91. She entered eternal glory on December 11, 2025, surrounded by her loving children. She was a kind, welcoming, gregarious, and a selfless woman of God who faithfully prayed the rosary every evening at 8:00 p.m. with her husband until his passing in December 2022. 

Felicite Espree is preceded in death by her husband, Columbus Espree; Parents, Norris and Effie Arceneaux; five brothers, Lewis, Mason, Andrew, Leo and Norris Arceneaux Jr. She leaves to cherish her memory her four children: Vincent Espree (Lynn) of Raywood, Texas; Lisa Deculus of Lake Charles, Louisiana; Pamela Dennis of Missouri City, Texas; and Kenneth Espree of Shreveport, Louisiana; along with 13 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by four sisters: Geneva Allen of Raywood, Texas; Tessie Gagne of Crosby, Texas; Mildred White of Raywood, Texas; and Julia Beaudoin of Raywood, Texas, as well as a host of godchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.