Jason Ericson Cantrell

First Gentleman, Jason Ericson Cantrell transitioned to his eternal heavenly rest on Monday, August 14, 2023.
Jason was the first born of the Honorable Harry Elmer Cantrell, Jr. (Retired) and the late Lorita Ann Pettiway Cantrell on June 25, 1968, in Detroit, Michigan. His strong faith in God began as an infant with his baptism at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, where he became active in the church serving as an Altar Boy and Lecturer, which helped further strengthen his spirituality. As an adult, he would continue to lean on his faith, trusting in the Lord for guidance, saying his rosary and praying daily; oftentimes with his mother before her death.
Growing up, Jason admired the strong examples of professionalism displayed by both parents, seeing his father dressed in a shirt and tie every morning for breakfast and his mother, an educator always stressing the importance of reading, gave him the confidence and motivation that he could be whatever he wanted to be. He also learned the lessons of change, the power of love and the blessings a blended family could bring, when his father moved to New Orleans and later married Brenda Cruell Cantrell, officially making New Orleans his second home filled with a rich culture that he would embrace fully. These early life changes further motivated him to succeed. Jason graduated from Bishop Borgess High School in Detroit, Michigan. He went on to complete his undergraduate studies at Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, Michigan, after which he decided to pursue a Juris Doctorate Degree from Southern University Law Center, following in his father's footsteps.
In 1996, Jason joined The Cantrell Law Firm and eventually branched out as a sole practitioner. In 1997, he met LaToya Wilder, at Houston's Restaurant on St. Charles Avenue and on September 4, 2023, the couple would have celebrated 24 years of marriage. In July of 2007, at Lil Dizzy's restaurant in Treme, LaToya informed Jason that they were expecting the unexpected in six months time and he couldn't eat after that! In December, they welcomed Miss RayAnn Wilder Cantrell and she instantly became the apple of his eye and his heart. He was a true girl dad.
Jason leaves a rich legacy of faith, love, laughter, kindness and wisdom that includes the following loved ones: Wife, Honorable Mayor LaToya Cantrell; daughter, RayAnn Cantrell; father, The Honorable Harry E. Cantrell (Blondine); Step-Mother. Brenda Cruell Cantrell; Mother-In-Law, Etta Williams. Brothers: Chadrick Kennedy, Marcus Cantrell, and Brandon Cantrell. Step-sisters: Danielle and Leslie Garrett. Step-brothers: Arthur and Nathan Garrett. Brothers-in-law: Eric Maxwell, LaDon (Dashell) Wilder, and Michael Wilder. Sisters in-la: Nailah (Marshwan) Porter, Cherrish and Shannah Wilder. Like Brothers: Dr. Eric (Danielle) Griggs and Gary Valentine. Aunts: Sylvia Sanders, Barbara (Lee) Allen, Donna (Micheal) Brousseau, Tonya (Renee) Ford, and Glenda Cruell. In addition, he leaves 3 Godsons: Kaleb, Kade and Kash Walton, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family members.
Jason was preceded in death by his loving mother, Lorita Pettiway Cantrell; grandmothers, Mildred Morgan, Josephine Cantrell, and Bertha Cruell; and his grandfathers, Harry E. Cantrell, Sr. and Norman Cruell. www.facebook.com/D.W.RhodesFuneralHome/live
In Lieu of Flowers donations can be made to: Hammond Batts JG3 Scholarship Fund 7842 Albin Lane Ste. B, Houston, TX 77071. Memo: In honor of Jason Cantrell
Zelle: 74hbscholarship@gmail.com, Name on account: Hammond Batts JG3
Memo: In honor of Jason Cantrell