Lana Richard Deshotel

Celebrating the Life of Lana Richard Deshotel

Lana Richard Deshotel was born in Beaumont, Texas, on June 29, 1946, to Martel Richard and Mary Clark Richard. She was a devoted Catholic throughout her life. She attended Our Mother of Mercy Catholic Church in Beaumont before becoming a member of St. Martin DePorres Mission in Cheek, TX.

Lana graduated from Hebert High School in 1965. After high school, she attended Chenier Business College and obtained her certification in business. Lana then worked at the Jefferson County Tax Office before embarking on her family's business ventures.

Lana worked as a model for Forward Times newspaper and was also a centerfold model for Jet magazine.

She married Rapheal Francis Deshotel, the love of her life, on February 17, 1968. They had two sons, Rapheal, Jr., and Lance.

Lana was a cheerful woman who enjoyed various activities such as entertaining, swimming, dancing, music, bike riding, shopping, and traveling. Spending time with her family and friends was her favorite pastime. Lana loved to engage in challenging games and was full of energy. She was a kind and generous person who donated an organ to her church, St. Martin DePorres. Later, the organ was swapped with a piano from St. Mary's Catholic Church in Fannett, Texas.

On Saturday, January 6, 2024, Lana passed away peacefully at her home. She was preceded in death by her husband, Rapheal, Sr.; parents, Martel and Mary Richard; granddaughter, Angel El'Lyana Deshotel; and brother, Stephen Martel Richard.

Lana, a beloved mother, will be deeply missed by her sons, Rapheal "Ray" Deshotel Jr. (Robyn) of Edina, Minnesota, and Lance Deshotel (Robyn) of Cheek, Texas; her grandchildren, Michael Prejean, Diego Solorzano, Raphael "Race" Deshotel, Ginger Deshotel, and Molly Deshotel. Lana's sisters, Cewillow Petry, Marcella Thibodeaux, Jacquelyn Joseph (Fred), Patricia Maxson, Addie Broussard (Pedro), and Lydia Bell (Melvin, Jr.); and her brothers, Paul Richard, Sr. (Beverly), Winica Richard (Janice), John Michael Richard, Sr. (Suzette), Martin Richard (Angella), and Lorence Richard (Melody), all mourn her passing. She also leaves many relatives and friends who will miss her greatly.

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