Eula Mae McDuffie

Eula McDuffie peacefully passed away on November 26, 2025 at the incredible age of 103 years. Born September 2, 1922 in Pineville, LA, she spent almost all of her life in central Louisiana. She also lived in Arkansas, California and Texas. She married John McDuffie and had two daughters. When she became a single parent, she returned to the Pineville area and ran the local Dairy Queen, tripling business revenue in less than one year. Eula also worked in Medical Records at Houston Methodist Hospital in the late 1970's and then came back to Houston for the final 10 years of her life.

A sharp mind, savviness and common sense served her well throughout life. Fiercely independent, she was not inclined to accept help. Eula was strong willed and determined to do whatever she set out to do. At age 80, her daughters had to tell her to quit climbing on the roof of her one story house to rake off pine straw. Whether it was driving to California in her 1967 Mercury Comet, flying to Europe or running the roads in Louisiana, she enjoyed the sense of adventure and never met a stranger.

Family was extremely important to Eula and she was passionate about giving care and support. Nothing brought her more joy than to be with family and her imagination would bring endless hours of play for children. We would be remiss if we didn't say how much her friends meant to her. Friends were there for her as she was for them. A tremendous source of comfort, she cherished each one. She enjoyed a visit from anyone at her home, where a fresh pot of coffee and a slice of cake were always offered. Eula took great pride in cooking exceptionally good food served at a lovely set table. She was truly a child of mother nature. Her love and luck in growing a garden and flowers, especially her amaryllis and roses, knew no bounds. She was rewarded for her effort by seeing the joy in others when sharing what she reaped. Eula was known for her garden fresh vegetables, fig preserves, coconut cakes, pralines and lemon pies. She crocheted, embrodiered and quilted beautifully. Eula truly mastered home making skills, all of them.

Grounded by her faith, Eula lived life by the word of God. She firmly believed the power of prayer has the ability to heal. Praying for and with others gave her a sense of inner comfort that helped make it better. She taught Sunday school for many years and was the oldest member of First Baptist Church of Pineville.

If you asked her what was the secret to such a long life, her answer was faith in God, eating healthily (she never had seconds), not drinking or smoking and to love family. Eula's presence touched so many hearts. Her stories and laughter will remain cherished memories for all of us.

Eula is survived by two daughters, Iris Stephans and Lynn Rollins, granddaughter, Melisande Zook, great grandson William Zook, nieces Jennifer Miller Martin (Bruce) and Cynthia Miller Jentgen (Larry) and many other cousins, nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank Jenni & Bruce Martin, Angela, First Baptist Church of Pineville (Pastor Holloway, Truth Seekers Sunday School Class & Homebound Ministry), Pete Blackmon, Sebastian, Sydnee and Trish for all they did in caring for and remembering Eula in a way that made her feel special and loved. Leo brightened her day by tending to her flowers when she could not. The family would also like to thank everyone who kept in touch with Eula by visiting, calling or sending cards, which she kept every single one.

For those who wish, donations may be made to First Baptist Church of Pineville (901 Main Street Pineville, LA 71360) in her memory.