Louise Gautreaux Brown

Louise Gautreaux Brown, a cherished member of her community, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 22, 2024, at The Carpenter House in Lafayette, Louisiana, at the age of 83. She was born on February 21, 1941, in Eunice, Louisiana. Louise lived a life rich in love, family, and service.

A funeral service will be held for Louise Brown at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, December 27, 2024, in the Skip Montet Memorial Chapel at Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home in Opelousas, Louisiana. Rev. Greg Gaspard will officiate the service. A burial will follow at Bellevue Memorial Park in Opelousas, LA. 

Pallbearers will be David Gautreaux, William Brown, Niven Brown, Wil Briscoe, Niven Brown II, Seth Brown, Greg Dupre and Robert Evans.

A visitation for Louise will be held in the Skip Montet Memorial Chapel at Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home of Opelousas on Thursday, December 26, 2024, beginning at 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Visitation will continue Friday, December 27, 2024, from 8:00 a.m. until service time at 2:00 p.m. 

Louise dedicated a significant portion of her life to the food service industry. She worked in the high school cafeteria at Opelousas High School and at a nursing home cafeteria in Hendersonville, Tennessee. Her commitment to her work and those she served was evident in every meal she prepared.

Family was the cornerstone of Louise's life. She treasured every moment spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, often engaging in card games with her grandchildren. 

Louise nurtured her interests with the same love she showed her family. She found joy in sewing, collecting light houses, mini spoons, and mini bells, and spent many hours enjoying her favorite television shows.

She held dear memories of her proudest accomplishments, including her role as an "extra" in the movie "All the King's Men," filmed in Baton Rouge and Covington, Louisiana, featuring actor Sean Penn. Additionally, at the age of 41, she earned her GED, a testament to her perseverance and dedication after raising her five children.

She is survived by her sons, David Gautreaux of Angleton, Texas; William Brown of Bethpage, Tennessee; and Niven Brown and his wife, Lisa, of Breaux Bridge, Louisiana; along with her daughters, Nella Briscoe and her husband, Wil of Carencro, Louisiana; and Katherine McBride of Old Hickory, Tennessee. She is also survived by her stepson, Kenneth Courville and his wife, Susan of Opelousas, Louisiana. She was blessed with nineteen grandchildren, including Ashlee Cernock, Ariel Hoffpauir, Andy Gautreaux, Kristen Watts, Collin Watts, Amber Jordan, Trebor Brown, Brody Hebert and his wife, Callie, Niven Brown II and his wife, Evelyn, Seth Brown, Montana D. Weaver, Kaci Wyble, Kayla Wyble, Caitlin Brenkenfeld, Brendan Marks, Kathleen McBride, Romey McBride, Scott Courville and Christopher Courville; as well as fifteen great-grandchildren, Natalee Gautreaux, Artermis Cernock, Alexander Cernock, Raelyn Hoffpauir, Jordan Cole, Brycen Konechne, Hudson Hebert, Sophia Hebert, Kensley Weaver, Lydia Weaver, Julian Barrows, Ricky Barrows, Haley Courville, Haidence Courville and Averie Courville.

Louise is preceded in death by her devoted husband, Allen Ray Brown; her parents, Joseph Gautreaux, Sr. and Leola Miller Gautreaux; her granddaughter, Angel Brown; and her siblings: Leon Gautreaux, Joseph Gautreaux, Jr., Edward Gautreaux, Norris Gautreaux, Una Courville, Edith Soileau, Lillie Peliquin, Irene Darbonne, and Lillian Thibodeaux. She is also preceded in death by her sons-in-law, Craig Devillier and Denny McBride.

Louise Gautreaux Brown leaves behind a legacy of love and kindness that will continue to inspire her family for generations to come.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Louise’s family.

Family and friends are invited to sign and view the online guestbook at www.lafondardoin.com.

LaFond-Ardoin Funeral Home, 2845 South Union Street, Opelousas, LA 70570, (337)942-2638 has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.