Ophelia Autrey

Ophelia Autrey, age 95, of Farmerville, Louisiana, passed away on September 30, 2025, peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones. She was born on March 4, 1930, the beloved daughter of the late Delores Ward Aulds and Marvin Simpson. A lifelong resident of Farmerville, Louisiana, Ophelia graduated from Farmerville High School. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, James Autrey; her cherished son, Jeff Autrey; her precious mother, Delores Ward Aulds; her father, Marvin Simpson; and her siblings, James Simpson, Travis Simpson, and Mary Inez Simpson. Primarily a devoted stay-at-home mom, Ophelia served her community through her work at Bill’s Dollar Store, Union Parish Library, Union Parish Sheriff’s Office, and Union Parish Council on Aging. A talented artist, she had a passion for art, cake decorating, and painting. Her love of the Lord was evident in her membership at Farmerville First Baptist Church, where she also sang in the choir, and later member of Farmerville First Assembly. Known affectionately as “Meme” by her grandchildren and the Farmerville community, Ophelia was a beacon of love and Christian devotion. She touched countless lives with her heartfelt words, often telling those around her, “I love you, but God loves you more,” a testament to her deep Christian faith and loving nature. Ophelia is survived by her children, Ron Autrey (wife Mary), Fred Autrey (wife Gail), Angela Scarborough (husband Tony), Paula Cofer (husband Pete), and Kay Hicks (husband Tim); her daughter-in-law, Yvonne Autrey; her grandchildren, Katherine Autrey, Pam Hatten, Joe Scarborough, Jeremy Scarborough, Charity Autrey, Daniel Autrey, Jessica Hicks-Smith, and Hannah Harris; as well as 11 great-grandchildren and 7 great-great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, October 5, at 3:00 p.m., with visitation to follow, at Farmerville First Assembly, officiated by Reverend Robbie Lawson with Reverend Kurt Auger assisting. Ophelia’s legacy of love, service, and creativity will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the Elara Caring hospice team, her dedicated caregivers, and the staff at Arbor Lake Skilled Nursing and Rehab for their compassionate care. “Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed” (John 20:29, KJV).