Joyce Ann Schnebelen Hebert

Joyce Ann Schnebelen Hebert, a beloved matriarch and pillar of the Plaquemine community, passed away at home surrounded by her loving family on Sunday, November 17, 2024. To know Joyce was to know the purest forms of kindness and selflessness – she lived to lift others up, touching countless lives through her generous spirit, unwavering integrity, and dedication to community.
Born on September 29, 1935, to Dave and Eleanor Schnebelen in Plaquemine, Joyce's remarkable journey began as Valedictorian of St. John High School's Class of 1953. She attained an associate degree at UL. In 1957, she married the late Gary J. Hebert, Sr. Their love and admiration for each other was the foundation of a beautiful life and family. They were inseparable.
Together, they embarked on what would become their legacy – founding the Post/South newspaper. Over the next 43 years, their dedication to excellence in journalism earned the paper more than 620 state and national awards, including recognition as the nation's top award-winning newspaper in 1974. Joyce also won numerous awards for her writing as the Society editor.
Joyce's heart for service and extraordinary strength shaped everything she did. With seemingly boundless energy, she cared for everyone around her while working tirelessly to make her community better. She fought next to Gary to preserve the historic Plaquemine Lock, then served for years as founding president of the Friends of the Plaquemine Lock Historic Site organization, and helped her husband establish the first International Acadian Festival when he was president of the Knights of Columbus Council 970.
Joyce broke barriers as the second woman on the Louisiana Press Association Board of Directors. She was also the editor of Share magazine, the national magazine for the Catholic Daughters organization from 1974-1978.
Joyce loved to travel, and her legendary and award-winning seafood gumbo and notorious sweet tooth made her kitchen a gathering place where everyone was welcome. Her beautiful flowerbeds were a testament to the care she took in nurturing both flowers and relationships. She carried that to her active involvement with the Plaquemine Garden Club, where she served as president.
Joyce was also very active in St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, chairing the church's Historical Committee for its 150th anniversary, and chairing the St. John Development Fund. She was a member of the Catholic Daughters, Plaquemine Service League, Iberville Parish Tourist Commission, St. John Alumni Association, and St. John Home & School Association, and a 4-H Club leader and Cub Scout den mother. Throughout her life, her contributions were widely recognized with honors including The Acadian Festival Grand Marshal, the LSU Professional Journalism Society Community Service Award, the Iberville Chamber of Commerce Athena Award, the Head Start Woman of Achievement Award, and the Mother Seton Award. Joyce was also honored with the Joyce Schnebelen Hebert Day in the City of Plaquemine in 2015.
But her true legacy lies in the countless lives she touched through simple acts of kindness and generosity. Joyce had a remarkable way of making everyone feel valued and welcomed, whether in her home, her community, or the pages of the Post/South. She gave freely of her time, wisdom, and love, enriching the lives of all who knew her. Those closest to her will remember her incredible strength and how she opened her heart and home to anyone in need, always finding ways to lift others up while asking nothing in return.
Joyce is survived by her four children, Gary Jr. "Jimmy" and wife Jeanetta, Ellie and wife Brenda, Jerry and wife Linda, and Johnny and wife Terri; eight grandchildren, Jessica Hebert Mouledoux and husband Andre, James Hebert and wife Kylee, Jolie Hebert, David Hebert and wife BiBi, Andrea Hebert Buttross and husband Joe, Daniel Hebert, Mary Allie Hebert McGoffin and husband Stephen, and Raegan Hebert and fiancé Corey Bourgeois; eleven great-grandchildren, Andre, Colin, Bryant, Noah, Beau David, Hudson Hayes, Owen, Audrey, Gary, William, and Alexander; best friend and sister, Shirley Blanchard; and brothers, Warren Schnebelen and wife Vickie, and David Schnebelen and wife Montez. Preceded in death by her beloved husband, Gary J. Hebert, Sr.; cherished grandson, John Taylor Hebert; parents, Dave and Eleanor Schnebelen; and brother, Roy Schnebelen and wife Ruby.
In both her professional achievements and in her personal relationships, Joyce exemplified grace, strength, dedication and kindness to others. Her impact on Plaquemine will be felt for generations to come, but she will equally be remembered for the love, gentleness, and wisdom she shared with all who knew her.
The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to her caregivers Ventris Hearnes, Tammy Gaudet and Louise DiBenedetto, who lovingly cared for Mom, and were known to indulge her sweet tooth often, and to Bridgeway Hospice for excellent care.
The family asks that instead of sending flowers, donations be made to her beloved organization, the Plaquemine Friends of the Lock, P.O. Box 1020, Plaquemine, LA 70765.
Visitation will be held at Wilbert Funeral Home, Plaquemine on Thursday, November 21, 2024, from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm with Mass of Christian Burial at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Plaquemine at 1 pm, celebrated by Father Jason Palermo. Interment will follow at Grace Memorial Park.