Mrs. Bennie Joyce Boutte

1939 - 2025

Bennie Joyce Jackson Collier Boutte was born to Edna Mae Jackson in Welsh, Louisiana, on July 16, 1939. She was the eldest of four children. At a young age, she moved to Beaumont, Texas, to live with Lena and Jack Collier. She graduated from Charlton Pollard High School in 1957.

She met her future husband at Luby’s Cafeteria, where they both worked. Mr. Boutte made it clear early on that she would spend her life with him, but she told him only by doing what she asked of him.... "He had to cut his hair!" The couple married on November 29, 1959, and from their union, they raised two sons, Anthony DeShawn Boutte and James B. Williams, as well as a bonus daughter, Tammy St. Julian. She was also the godmother to Anthony Raynard Mayfield, Kimberly Richardson, and Laurence Dean Smith, Jr. After many years at the Fair Store, she retired. Following her retirement, she worked at Mike Gant’s Drive-In Store, Monroe’s, and finally at HR Block on a part-time basis.

Bennie loved spending time with the Golden Girls—Julia Boutte Chaisson (deceased) and Orvelyn Gant (deceased). She enjoyed camping, visits to the beach, and all kinds of family gatherings. Cooking was one of her favorite hobbies, and her husband humorously called her a “Mad Scientist” in the kitchen. Her potato salad was particularly renowned.

Bennie passed away on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at her home surrounded by the love of her family.

She leaves behind treasured memories for her husband, Anthony Boutte; brother, John Jackson (Peggy), and sister, Melba Lane Jackson. Sisters-in-law: Rose Boutte Bennett (Foster), Esther Boutte Johnson (Skip), Anna Boutte Moore, and Catherine Boutte Brown (Glen). Her children, Tammy St. Julian, James B. Williams, and Anthony DeShawn Boutte. She is also remembered by her 11 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild, and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Her life story is full of happy memories for all of us to share.

 

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