Cecila Baptiste

Cecila Baptiste was born on July 9, 1952, in New Orleans Louisiana, to the late Walter Schofield and Mildred Baptiste. On Monday, April 28, 2025, at the age of 72, she departed this life peacefully at University Hospital surrounded by her loving family.
She leaves behind to cherish her memory her loving children: Jeronde Reed-Gaines, (Harry Gaines III affectionately known as "boo-boo baby") and Roxsand Baptiste-Allen (Terry Allen, Sr., lovingly called "Mr. Terry") her grandchildren Sierra and Kierra Gaines, Taylar and Terry Allen, Jr.
She leaves to mourn her beloved sister Gloria Baptiste. Preceded in death by her siblings: Walter Lawrence Schofield (Snook), Shirley Stamps, Herman (Itchy), Walter, Robert (Bobby), Rudolph, Leonard, Alferd (Big Al), Elvira Baptiste, and Glenda Baptiste-Jones (Guinea). Cecila is also preceded in death by her niece whom she played a special role in raising, Glenda (Gen Gen) Davis, whom she loved like a daughter.
A proud graduate of Warren Easton High School, Class of 1971. Cecila served her community as a dedicated pediatric unit clerk at Charity Hospital and later at University Medical Center for over 25 years. Her years of service were not just a job-they were calling. It was there she built a beautiful extended family of coworkers, many of whom became lifelong friends. Her impact was quiet but powerful-just like her.
Cecila was the heartbeat of her family-a woman of immense strength wrapped in tenderness. Known for her tough exterior and even softer spirit underneath, she was a giver in every sense. Whether through her comforting words, warm meals, or her steady, grounding presence, she gave herself selflessly to family, friends, and all who had the blessing of knowing her. Her heart, though private, beat loudly in acts of love, service, and kindness. She was our rock and our safe place-and she will be missed more than words can ever express.
Cecila found joy in the little things: shopping at her favorite stores like JC Penney and Walmart, or spending time in her kitchen, where her cooking was a language of love. She was known for her unforgettable chili beans and crispy fried chicken on Mardi Gras Day. It took some time, but she finally perfected Mil D spaghetti with "big ole' meatballs. Her kitchen table was where laughter flowed, traditions were kept, and bellies were filled. You could always find her with snacks Diet Cokes and Lay's Chips.
She is also survived by a host of cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends whose lives were deeply touched by her warmth, wit, and unwavering devotion-including her one surviving aunt, Anita Reynaud.
Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend a Funeral Service at St. Mark 4th Baptist Church, 2130 Perdido St., New Orleans, LA on Saturday, May 10, 2025 at 11:00am. Visitation will begin at 10:00am – 11:00am. Interment: Providence Memorial Park Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Duplain W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70125.