Louise W. Bignon

Happy Easter Granny! I remember going to your house this time of year when I was a little girl. You'd hide Easter baskets for us! Usually behind the couch in the living room!! In the same way that the "surprise" at the bottom of my bowl of vanilla ice cream was almost always a banana! I love and miss you and even envy you right now. You get to be with Jesus! Oh to see His face! I hope you are singing to your hearts desire. And I even hope you are still singing songs from old commercials! I can't wait to see you in heaven one day and get one of your hugs. Oh yeah, I'm still "chewing the hell out of my gum"!

I have a daughter who is 27 years old. When she was only 2 and I worked at EHS, Louise gave me a J.Byron bear to give to Beth for a gift. To this day, Beth does not travel without Byron. Recently Beth gave birth to her first son - 13 weeks early - and Byron was there with her in the labor room! Byron was with her while she stayed in the hospital and she took him home. She lost her little baby 16 days later - and I'm sure Byron still provided comfort for her when she was at home. She remembers that Louise gave her that bear and was saddened to hear of her passing. There is much comfort in knowing that Louise is 'there' with our Kolby. And now Father Turk is there also. God bless all of these families as they are adjusting to their lives without their loved ones. Rest in peace and dance with the angels.

Merry Christmas Louise! I know this was your favorite holiday. I think about you always and miss you. May your heart be full of Christmas wishes and music fill your soul. Love you, and feel my arms around you.

Granny,
I sure am missing you. Especially this time of year. I'm thinking of all of the baking that you used to do. The way your house smelled of Christmas! I opened up a box of Christmas decorations and found a Christmas card from you. It certainly brought tears of sadness but also tears of joy and plenty of bright memories of your home and the way you always made sure that we were all together when I was a child.
I'll forever remember pulling up into your driveway, seeing your front door open and there you'd be...on your little front porch with your arms stretched open wide with a welcoming hug and that beautiful smile on your face.

I love you dearest Granny.

Cecilia...Mary Ann...Richard...Frankie
May your lives continue to be Blessed and Enriched
by the Essence of your Wonderful Mothers
abilities to wrap her arms around each and every one of you...Then...Now and Forever...

Louise will forever reside in the hearts of her family and the many others whose lives she so graciously touched while she was here.

I think of you everday, and I hope you are dancing with the angels. Your bright smile shines and you are missed deeply. You will be in my heart forever, and someday we will meet again and continue our conversations that I truly miss. Love and hugs!

Louise Bignon was a fine wonderful lady! She was highly respected by everyone that knew her. Knowing her was a pleasure, and working with her in the Kairos Prison Ministry was both a privilege and a pleasure. She certainly had a heart for God and a heart for the Kairos Ministry. In the Kairos Prison Ministry inside and out, she was affectionately known as Mama "B." Her delicious pecan pies were a delight to the Kairos Ministry both inside and outside the prison fence. She was the Agape Coordinator for the Kairos Prison Ministry in the Northeast Florida area for many years, and with that she did a super job.

On August 27, 2011, There were a few moments set aside in memory of Mama "B" at the monthly Kairos reunion meeting in the chapel of Union Correctional Institution near Raiford, Florida. During those moments, several inmates came to the open mike and gave testimonies of how Mama "B" had made a positive influence on their lives and how they appreciated all that she did in her ministry to them. At the close of those moments, the entire congregation of the chapel stood to honor the memory of Mama "B."

There seems to be no doubt that a fond memory of Louise Bignon will live in the minds and hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her. To her immediate and extended family, I extend my condolences.

We love you Mrs. Bignon. Thank you for giving your life to helping us learn the value of learning. Peace to you.

- Rufus Primus

I was so saddened to learn about Ms Bignon's passing. She truly was a remarkable woman who loved each of her students at Episcopal. I had the pleasure of knowing her as a student and later getting to know her better as an adult when I worked in the Development office at Episcopal and she was the Archivist. Her love for God, her family, (both biological & her Episcopal family) & her friends was evident in the way she lived her life. This world is truly a better place because of Louise Bignon. She will be missed & remembered by many. My thoughts & prayers go out to her family. May peace be with each of you.
Love,
Rushton (Haskell) Callaghan

I am so deeply saddened to hear of the death of Mrs. Bignon. She was my Latin teacher 33+ years ago. Although I was not a particularly strong student in Latin class (which I believe is because I didn't have her for Latin I), I LOVED Mrs. Bignon! She was always supportive, caring, helpful and FUN. She was passionate about Latin and her students. She had so much energy and enthusiasm and was always smiling. She made the world a better place. My heartfelt sympathies go to her family.

It was my great pleasure to know and work with Louise at Episcopal High School. My younger brothers and our sons were all fortunate to go to school there during her time on the faculty. There was no teacher more dedicated, beloved or whole-heartedly enthusiastic than the wonderful Mrs. Bignon! She set an unforgettable example for all of us who learned and taught with her and all were blessed to be part of her world. Mine is a grateful heart .

I was sorry to hear about the passing of Louise Bignon. We used to joke, when I worked there, that Louise plant the oldest tree on the grounds of EHS (now ESJ). I will never forget how Louise would spearhead Cookies for Kairos and all of the students would bring homemade cookies for that ministry. She also made sure that the linens and things were always clean and ready for Chapel services. She was a special person and I'm so honored that I got to work with her and know her during my time there. Louise helped me to transition from being a part time secretary to the Deans, Chaplain, and Counselor to also being the Attendance Lady and the "nurse" after Marcy Chrisner left. She had a heart of gold and we shared many conversations in the office and when I would give her a ride to her home. I know God welcomed her with His open arms!

It is with sadness I learned too late about the funeral service for Louise.The smile she has on this picture of hers is typical of the way she greeted everyone around her and her colleagues. I used to take her after school back to her home when she needed a ride, and we shared some good time in the car. I will cherish the angel she gave me from her collection when I left the school. My sincere condolences to the family. Marlène Tégé-MacMillin.

What a legacy Louise leaves, having poured out her life for so many people. My favorite memories of her include her sweet greetings in the nurses' office at Episcopal (once she taught me the 'proper' way to nurse a sniffle!), baking cookies at her house for prisoners, and long conversations during coffee hour at Redeemer. What always struck me most was her incredibly grateful, cheerful spirit - no matter what difficulties (usually physical) she was facing. What a trooper. I am so grateful for the chance to have known and loved her.

Ms. Bignon was not only one of my favorite teacher, but one of my favorite people ever...she was dear to me and I think of her often. She treated me as an equal and not as a student and I am blessed to have had her during my high school years. I feel lucky that I had the joy of being able to send her a photograph of my precious son in a toga a few years ago. She will deeply missed. My deepest sympathies,
Beth Sack-Rogers

Please accept our condolences for your great loss. She was a lovely woman. Love to all, Mel & Janice Bessinger

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Granny. She was wonderful. I remember the summer we stayed with her :) She always sang, i can never remember the words to those songs but i can remember the melody and the smile. Her smile could light up a room. She was a wonderful woman and will Be missed. Well now she is dancing with Jesus. I love you Granny

Mrs. Bignon was one of the most memorable and remarkable teachers I had at Episcopal. She made Latin I, II, III and IV fun. I almost feel bad the year we had 4 Davids in her class and we tried to confuse her and sluff from one David to another. But somehow she kept us straight and never gave in. You will be missed in person but your heart, love and life lives on in all of us you touched.

Mrs. Bignon was my Latin teacher for three years in the mid-70s and was my advisor all six years at Episcopal. I love Latin because of her. I still remember snippets of the language (even after all these years!), but will never forget the crazy things she taught us to make it fun, like "Row, Row, Row Your Boat" in Latin. She always had a big smile whenever I saw her. I am filled with memories right now. She was a warm and caring woman who loved her students so much. I am lucky that she was there at a time when I wasn't sure that I could do the things she always knew I could. My sincerest condolences to her entire family.

She is a legacy. She always had a smile walking the halls at Episcopal. Her heart was made of gold. What a blessing she was to those of us who had the chance to be her student. Rest in peace, Mrs. Bignon.

What can I say about my Granny? She's taught me so much about this life. Her warmth and joy have not only passed on to me but to my children. I see her in my daughter and when I look into the faces of my mother and aunts and my uncle. She had a smile that literally lit up the room and always,always had me smiling too. Her corny sense of humor has most certainly been passed on to me and my children! I see it in my cousin Shannon too! I'll forever hear the melody of Granny suddenly breaking into song.

Granny, I can't wait for another hug from you! That was always the safest place for me. Wrapped up in your arms in your home that always smelled like cookies. I can't say enough about you. Words fail. I love you Granny.

Perhaps other Episcopal High School students will recall sitting nervously in Mrs. Bignon's L-building classroom, waiting for first-year Latin to begin, wondering if they erred in choosing a "hard" language -- so many noun cases, an epidemic of verb conjugations, tenses, voices, moods, and an unending vocabulary. It was a perfect place for Louise Bignon to work her magic. Sure, we learned how to study, to parse grammar and grasp rhetoric, and to read and appreciate Cicero or Vergil -- even scandalous Ovid. But these lessons were not the half of it.

Being a student in Mrs. Bignon's Latin classes at Episcopal High School was a transformative experience. She enveloped quiet, apprehensive students like me in a cocoon of support, and helped us to understand our self-worth. Like many of her students who read mythology, celebrated Saturnalia, used Roman shorthand in writing (e.g., STVBEEV = "If you are well, it is well; I am well"), or attended Latin society conferences, I marvelled at her boundless affection for things Roman. I later understood my mistake: what I really had seen was her boundless affection for her students.

My friendship with Mama B deepend over the decades. While living abroad I wrote her postcards in what was left of my Latin (which she graciously never corrected), and I visited her when I was Jacksonville. During those visits I learned that her compassionate ministry extended beyond students to include the ill and imprisoned. When recognized for her wonderful work, she simply confessed that her service brought her the greater joy and was but a small reflection of the blessings bestowed on her.

The most profound lessons Mrs. Bignon taught are that we can celebrate the good times and carry our burdens with grace and humor. That we can do this with self-confidence and a sense of joy. That it's okay to receive help when we need it, and even better to lend a hand to others when they are in need. That it's okay to take diversions to make the most of a teachable moment. And that working hard on the right project is its own reward.

Mrs. Bignon's life is an inspriation for anyone who hopes to make the world a better place. She fostered self-respect and love in a legion of students, and it is only right for us to thank and honor and remember her. I miss her, but am so grateful for her touch in my life.

May her grieving family, and her grieving extended family, be blessed with peace and be comforted.

May your hearts be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate Louise's life.

I always knew my grandmother Louise as "granny." She was the perfect grandmother. She always taught me right and paid attention to my problems and spoiled me like a grandmother should. I will remember you fondly and hope to see you again in the hereafter. My love and best wishes to you on your journey.

Mrs. Bignon was one of my teachers that I could never forget - not only did she teach us Latin but also that nice young ladies who attended Latin Banquets would never ever wear a yellow toga - an important thing to know when I went to college toga parties!

Mrs Bignon was the best teacher I have ever had. She made learning Latin fun, which isn't easy to do. I have great memories of her and I am saddened at the news of her passing.
My prayers go out to all of the family.
May GOD give you strength during this difficult time.

Louise was a beautiful person and I feel blessed to have worked with her for 13 years, she will be missed. Know that she is with the Lord and looking down on all her family and friends. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

My love and prayers to Louise and her family.

Mary Ann
My heartfelt condolences go out to you and your family during this difficult time.
Patti McGuire Taylor

I was blessed to have 2 moms in this lifetime. I was always treated like a daughter by Louise. I know I will see her again and I welcome those hugs. She will be waiting for me with open arms. I love you and will miss you dearly,

My prayers are with you all .. I pray for God to give you comfort during your sorrow

Mrs. Bignon was among my favorite Englewood High School teachers. I think one of the reaons that I love words is that she instilled in us the importance of the origin of words that we use. I will always remember learning to conjugate - amo amas amant! What a great teacher. To Cecile and your siblings - I am sorry for your loss.

"Momma B" touched so many lives throughout her life. If you made a Cursillo weekend of any denomination, she made sure your weekend had palanca/agape posters with the incredible artwork from the prisoners. I will remember Louise not so much as a strong woman of faith but as a woman of strong faith. The world is better for having held her. -- Laura Jo Brunson (Kairos Outside of Northeast Florida)

I shared many moments with Louise throughout the years and she was indeed a rare woman with unquestionable devotion and love. She will be sorely missed by everyone who knew and loved her.

Louise was a marvelous baker. Forever I will cherish her hand-written, shortbread cookie recipes. For those of you who knew her in younger days, you know that Louise never made a long story short. Her recipe cards illustrated that attribute beautifully. In her artistic hand she shared her recipes lovingly with comments and stories every step of the way. Her spirit is with us always.

Louise always had a great smile and made everyone feel comfortable. She would often prepare one of her famous pies if she thought someone was feeling poorly.

Louise was alway compassionate, whether she was with a Kairos person, a student, or friend. I know she loved our God, her work, and all humanity. She was meticulous in everything she did from her teaching to overseeing conditions for the budding Archives here at Episcopal.

Louise will be remembered, and those memories are always followed by smiles!

Peace to all her family now that Louise is no longer present in our midst. Marlo Drake, colleague

May you rest in peace.

I will never forget Mrs. Bignon's endless patience with me as I was not the best of her Latin students at Episcopal. For several years now, I have intended to tell her that I ended up with a PhD in Historical Linguistics -- and have often credited her for my success. She will be truly missed by hundreds of Latin students -- both the good and the not-so-good!

Louise was a wonderful and sweet lady...always smiling. She will be missed till we see her again.... ~Marilyn Commins, former member of Redeemer

We will miss her so much. Throughout our lives she was the one constant. A visit to Granny's always began with a great big, open-armed welcome at the front door. Her home was filled with so many stories, songs, jokes... and wonderful smells from her kitchen! I will forever treasure the memories and count myself BLESSED for having her as my Gran. "To Gran, Love Shan"

Please accept my condolences. I just heard about your mom. I am very sorry and I wanted you to know I am thinking of you in this trying time.

I can only imagine how difficult this must be for you.

Your mom was like a second mom to me and I really felt how much she loved you all.

My thoughts are with you and your family at this very sad time.

Louise, you will be truly missed by your Episcopal family. You were always a special and caring person to us.

What a GREAT lady! I owe her much for her ceaseless support of me and the school newspaper.
With love,
Pat Crandall

Mary Anne,

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as your mother journeys to her heavenly home.

Tom Ossi

Mrs. Bignon taught me Latin for 2 years at Englewood back in 1965/66. She was one of my all-time favorite teachers.

Her patience with us, as we butchered the language, was unending. I owe so much to her for all she gave to me those 2 years.

Rest in peace, and may God be with you, Mrs. Bignon