Rosemary Breaux-Ellison

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith"
II Timothy 4:7
Rosemary Breaux Ellison, age 85, a long-time resident of New Orleans, Louisiana passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, September 28, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.
Rosemary was born on June 20, 1940 in New Orleans to Percy and Theresa Breaux and was raised in Donaldsonville, Louisiana. From her earliest days, she carried herself with quiet strength, unwavering faith, and a deep pride in whom she was and where she came from. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend, roles she fulfilled with unmatched grace and dignity.
She accepted Christ at a young age and was a faithful member of Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church in New Orleans. A lifelong homemaker, Rosemary poured her heart into caring for her family. She was deeply devoted to her husband, Willie James Ellison, and their life together was rooted in commitment, partnership, and respect.
Later in life, Rosemary entered the workforce and brought with her the same sense of purpose, pride, and quiet determination that had always defined her. She worked hard, never complaining, always showing up with grace and humility.
She was also passionate about maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle. An avid walker, Rosemary could outpace people half her age something she was proud of, and rightfully so. Her energy and discipline were an inspiration to many. She valued taking care of herself not just physically, but mentally and spiritually as well.
Rosemary was a woman of deep pride not boastful, but rooted in self-respect, family values, and a strong moral compass. She carried herself with poise and treated everyone she encountered with kindness, and graciousness. Her presence had a way of making others feel at ease and cared for, simply by being herself.
She leaves to cherish her memory her loving husband, Willie James Ellison of New Orleans, LA, and her beloved children: Loyce Hart (Napoleon) and Joyce Vaughn (Eric) of Mobile, AL; Charles Hart (Kevia) of Jacksonville, FL; Alicia Hart Cooper (Leroy) of New Orleans, LA; Charlette Hart Vaughn of League City, TX; Paula Fort (John) of Jacksonville, FL; Richard Hart (Sha'Day) of Ferriday, LA; Cheryl Bonner (Tracy) of Arlington, TX; Willie James Ellison Jr. of New Orleans, LA; and bonus daughter, Marvel Ellison of New Orleans, LA.
She is also lovingly remembered by her brother, Bruce A. Breaux, sister-in-laws, Margie Clark and Betty Lee and brother-in-law Leroy Matthews and 23 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren, and many cherished nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Percy and Theresa Breaux; her grandparents Paul and Irene Lumpkins; siblings Dorothy B. Jones, Percy C. Breaux, Irene B. Griffin, Marie B. Johnson, Barbara Breaux, Edmond Breaux, Judy B. Fisher and Agnes Breaux, her bonus son Kirkland Ellison; grandson Joseph Hart; great-grandson Thomas Martin; her beloved nephews Eugene Anthony "Tony" Jones and Jermaine Breaux and her son-in-laws William Bates Jr. and Lenel Vaughn.
Though she may be gone from our sight, Momma's legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched. She was a proud, gracious woman whose love, strength, and dignity will never be forgotten. Her life was a blessing, her memory a treasure, and her spirit a gift we will carry with us always.