Joseph Byrnes "J.B." Peré

A Mass of Christian Burial officiated by Reverend Nicholas Dupré will be held at 1:00 PM, Thursday, February 20, 2025 at Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Roman Catholic Church honoring the life of Joseph Byrnes "J.B." Peré, 93, who passed away peacefully on February 18, 2025 at Vermilion Heath Care Center. He will be laid to rest at Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be John Joseph Nordstrom, Erik Prejean, Derek LeMaire, Seth Prejean, Drey Vincent, Jared Prejean, and Lorenzo Russo. Honorary pallbearers will be John Wagliardo, Joey Russo, Jade Trahan, Mitch Prejean, Essay Hebert "Butch", Jr, Gene Dale Choate, Sammy Kershaw, Collin Schexnayder, David Wagliardo, and Edward Vincent.

J.B. was born in the Mouton Cove Community in 1931. He loved his family and friends and loved going to his parents home for family gatherings from 2007-2019. He loved animals, most of all, bird watching. J.B. had a very successful music career for 30 years. He was a self-taught guitar player at eight years old. He learned while listening to the Grand Ol Opry on the radio. He never dreamed he would have the honor to back up many well-known musicians with his band, The Music Macs. However, his all time favorite performer was Louis Armstrong and he loved performing "When the Saints Go Marching In", Louis Armstrong style.

J.B.'s faith was his priority. He was very sensitive to the sufferings of others and never turned down a prayer request day or night. "Put God first and never quit praying - its the only answer." "Lent is the most important to remember what Jesus did on the cross for us." Always give "God the glory, humble yourself and thank Him everyday for the blessings." "Help whoever you can and find the good in each other and you will have peace." And peace J.B. had as he rested in God and went home to the lord, praying for everyone. We will miss his love, his humor, wise counsel, and positive attitude. Be happy in your new home in heaven!

He is survived by his wife of 53 years Mary Faulk Peré of Kaplan; his daughters, Sue Russo (Joey), Judy Wagliardo (David), and Shelley Peré; grandsons, Joseph Lorenzo Russo, John Gabriel Wagliardo, and John Joseph Nordstrom; "daughters", Sherryl Broussard, Kathy Manuel (Craig), Lisa Saltzman, and Angie Vincent (Edward); 14 grandchildren, 31 great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; and a host of nieces, nephews and extended family and friends; most notably, his godchild, Tabitha Forstater; Evangeline Bernard, a lifelong friend; and Joe Trahan who was very supportive and a great friend to J.B.

He is preceded in death by his first wife, Lollie H. Peré; his parents, Marion Peré, Sr. and the former Noemie Guidry; siblings, Lillie Mae Hargrave, Loria Mae Hebert, Marion Peré, Jr., Johnny Peré, and Ray Peré; dear cousins, Dominique, Nolan, Glen, Bobby, and Jude Peré and Raymond and Raywood Mayard. J.B. is also preceded in death by his "son", Phil Prejean; son-in-law, Ken Saltzman; his band members "J.B. Peré and Music Macs", whom he loved as brothers; dearest friends, Pete Mouton (who saved J.B.'s life in The 1940 Flood), Isaac White, Lloyd Choate, Presley Bernard, and Mike Russo; godchildren, Gary Hebert, Ray Landry, and Slaton J. White (whom he loved dearly, like a son); and numerous nieces and nephews whom he missed so much.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who served and supported J.B. in his struggles; especially Veronica, Melba, and Tammy; his angels at home, Shannae Borel, "New York" Nebby and Joe Trahan; the entire staff of Vermilion Heath Care Center, especially Kimmy Abshire and the kitchen angels who made him so happy with delicious meals; the entire staff of Abbeville General Hospital, especially Dr. Myriam Hutchinson and Dr. Melisa Harrington; the staff of Hospice of Acadiana, especially Natalie, Brittnee, and Cristina for keeping J.B. comfortable and peaceful; everyone who took time to visit and pray for J.B; and all of the wonderful friends at Vermilion Health Care Center who became his "family" in the past two years. HE LOVED YOU ALL!