Velma "Jean" Hendry Young

The world lost one of its brightest lights with the passing of Velma “Jean” Hendry Young, age 85, on November 12, 2025. Known for her vibrancy, quick laughter, and endless love for her family, she filled every room she entered with joy and a touch of sparkle.

Jean lived a life rich in love and laughter. Nothing made her happier than gathering those she loved most — especially for her legendary Christmas celebrations. A woman of many talents and passions, she found joy in bowling nights with friends, collecting photos of her family, crafting memories through her scrapbooks, cooking her beloved recipes, and cheering on her favorite sports teams.

She is survived by her children Eddie Hendry and wife Kim, Tonya Hendry Stephens and husband Keith, Melony Hendry Darden and husband Terry, Sue Breard and husband Byron, Ralph Young Jr. and wife Mary, and Mark Young and wife Kelly. She was loved dearly by her grandchildren: Jason Hendry and wife Katy, Nicole Johnson and husband Jason, Matthew Hendry, Heather Brown and husband Daniel, Josh Meuwly and wife Kayt, Lauren Hall and husband Scott, Chelsea Gorztize and husband Ryan, Jessica Siddon, Zach Stephens and wife Pamela, Lauren Benson and husband JMichael, Jacob Darden and wife Abby, Erica Darden and wife Ashton, Traci Marple, Brad Breard and wife Kim, Jason Young and wife Nicole, Cole Young, Grant Young, Arden Young, and Cooper Young. And great-grandchildren: Dawson Hendry, Fischer Johnson, Jayci Johnson, Averi Hendry, River Hendry, JoElle Hendry, Cade Howard, Cam Simone, Tehgan Meuwly, Jaxxon Meuwly, Masyn Meuwly, Harrison Meuwly, Nora Hall, Everett Hall, Charlie Hall, Monroe Gorztize, Rawlins Gorztize, Jace Siddon, Olivia Stephens, Travis Stephens, Max Stephens, Justin Benson, Jacob Benson, Josie Rae Benson, Jolie Grace Benson, Jemma Leigh Benson, Cason Darden, Carter Darden, Brooklyn Darden, Logan Marple, Landon Marple, Grace Breard, Beau Breard, Tristan Breard, and Adeline Breard.

Jean is preceded in death by Charles E. Hendry Sr. and Ralph Young Sr., Celisa Hendry Meuwly and husband Jerry, Brian Young, Kay Hendry, Timothy Howard, and Madeline Brown.

Her family will forever treasure her stories, her traditions, and her incredible zest for life. Though her laughter will be deeply missed, her spirit will continue to shine in every family gathering, every holiday decoration, and every thoughtfully crafted scrapbook.

A celebration of her life will be held on November 15, 2025 at 2:00 pm at Mulhearn Funeral Home in West Monroe, where friends and family will gather to honor a woman who made life brighter simply by being herself. Visitation will be Friday, November 14, 2025 from 4:00-6:00 pm, also at Mulhearn Funeral Home. Interment to be held at Roselawn Memorial Gardens at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home, an organization close to her heart.