Jennifer Kay "Jen" Sylvester Fontenot

IN LOVING MEMORY OF

Jennifer Kay Sylvester Fontenot July 10, 1954 – July 25, 2025

Beloved Executive, Community Leader, and Matriarch

Jennifer Kay Sylvester Fontenot, affectionately known to those who loved her as Jenny, simply Jen, or Mama, was a compassionate leader, tireless volunteer, and the life of every room she entered. She passed away peacefully on July 25, 2025, surrounded by her family at 71 years old.

Jenny spent 30 years in the banking industry, where she helped shape the future of regional banking in Louisiana. From 1986 to 2007, she worked at MidSouth Bank, where she was a founding officer of the Executive Management Team. During her tenure, she served as Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer, and Chief Information Officer, playing a vital role in the bank’s growth, innovation, and customer service initiatives. Her titles and accomplishments in the professional world are too numerous to list, but her influence was unmistakable to all who worked alongside her. She was a proud graduate of the University of Southwestern Louisiana, class of 1976, earning a degree in Business Administration and Marketing.

Her contributions reached far beyond her professional life; Jen was a devoted community leader and a passionate volunteer. She served as a lead volunteer for United Way of Acadiana and was Chairman of the Board in 1998. During her tenure, she led a historic fundraising campaign, raising $3 million and breaking a 50-year record.

Jenny opened her home and heart to countless friends, neighbors, and colleagues over the years. Her kitchen table was a place of warmth, guidance, and laughter. Her bedroom was a place of comfort, where her children and grandchildren loved piling in to watch television and movies, snuggled up beside her with popcorn in hand.

Jen had the rare gift of making others feel truly seen and loved. She could write you a letter or a text that made you feel like the most special person in the world. She had a gift with words, always sincere, always personal. She made you feel like she was your biggest fan, because she was. She was everyone’s biggest cheerleader.

She was also our family historian and memory keeper—roles she carried with deep pride and joy. She researched and compiled an impeccable, detailed family tree, one of her proudest accomplishments. She remembered every birthday, every story, every connection. She carried our memories so we could hold on to them forever.

Jenny will be greatly missed by her husband of 50 years, Darwin James Fontenot; her daughter, Rachel Fontenot Wyble; her sons, Adam Sylvester Fontenot and Beaux Percy Fontenot—all of Lafayette. She is also survived by her daughter-in-law, Kristen Toca Fontenot; her son-in-law, Travis Wyble; and eight grandchildren: Adrienne, Amelia (William), Ashton, Reno, Aidan, Rex, Gracelee, and McCoy. She also leaves behind one great-grandchild, Luca. Mama found endless joy in each of her grandchildren, who were the lights of her life.

She is survived by her siblings: Chet (Paula), Ted (Terri), Jeffrey (Catherine), Tim (Allison), and Lisa (Frank); her sister-in-law, Terri; and her in-laws: Carl (Gayle) and David (Magretta). Jenny also leaves behind over 80 nieces and nephews. Her extended family, friends, and countless mentees will forever carry forward her spirit and legacy.

She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Una Lee and Chester Sylvester, Jr., and her cherished parents-in-law, Percy and Elsie Fontenot.

Her life was a rare blend of strength and softness, ambition and compassion. She led not by command, but by example—teaching us all that true success is measured in kindness, in generosity, and in the way we show up for one another.

Visitation

Monday, July 28, 2025 – 9:00 a.m.

Chapel of the Resurrection

Whiteville, Louisiana

Mass of Christian Burial to follow

Officiated by Fr. Vincent

She gave more than she ever asked for and loved more than we could ever measure.

She will be deeply missed, forever cherished, and always remembered.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the charity of your choice in her name.

Ardoin’s Funeral Home in Ville Platte is in charge of arrangements and invites family and friends to leave condolences and fond memories of Jen at www.ardoinfuneralhomes.com.