Joy Ann Mejia Drouant

Joy Ann Mejia Drouant peacefully departed from this earthly life on July 15th, 2025 surrounded by her beloved children.

She was born on October 4th, 1935, in New Orleans, Louisiana to parents, Alfonso Mejia (deceased) and Loretta Dunn Mejia (deceased). She was their second eldest child along with siblings, older sister, June Mary (deceased), sister, Sandra Matranga, and brother, Alfonso Mejia, Jr.

Joy married her high school sweetheart, Frederick L. Drouant. She was his devoted wife for 68 years before his passing in 2023. They exemplified the virtues of love, friendship, and forgiveness in their many years together. Her most fulfilling roles were that of a homemaker and loving mother to her six children: Laurie Solomon (Ashley), Cathy Musso, Tammie Whatley (Chester), Frederick Drouant, Jr. (Charise), Kelli Fenerty (Burke), and Mary Ferry (Tim). Joy is survived by her 12 adoring grandchildren: Brandy Blume, Ryan Reese, Cassie Lavigne, Craig Henderson, Jr, Marc Musso, Cody Whatley, Chad Whatley, Hailey Fenerty, Gabrielle Drouant, Garrett Drouant, Samantha Drouant, and Raegan Gautreau, to whom she was lovingly known as “MiMi”. She was a great- grandmother to eight great-grands with two more on the way. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Beryl Drouant Neyrey and brother-in-law, L. J. Drouant.

Joy was a natural caretaker and a loyal friend. She treated everyone with kindness and lived out her Catholic faith with steadfastness and adoration. She was a long-term resident of Metairie, LA and parishioner of St. Ann Catholic Church. She found purpose and joy in attending daily morning mass. In their retirement years, Joy and Fred enjoyed square dancing and traveling the country in their RV. She also enjoyed cooking and made the best pot of red beans around. Hosting her family for Monday night beans was a tradition for many years. She will be dearly missed by all who loved her. Her family takes comfort in the heavenly promise of her now perfect health in the presence of her Savior.

In honoring Joy’s life, a private family burial will be held at Greenlawn Cemetary.