Willis Simien

Willis Ambrose "Cowboy" Simien was born January 13, 1933, in Lake Charles, Louisiana to Tojan Simien and Annie Stansberry Simien. He was raised in the catholic faith and a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Mr. Simien was united in Holy Matrimony to Sylvia Boutte on April 20, 1963, and to this union three children were born. His sixty-two years of marriage, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren stand as a testament to the legacy he leaves behind. Mr. Simien lived a full and meaningful life surrounded by his loved ones and engaged in the things he cherished most. His deep roots in farming, rodeoing, and working cows and horses shaped his days with purpose and joy. Mr. Simien departed this life Thursday, May 8, 2025, in his residence surrounded by family. Losing someone so cherished is never easy, but it's beautiful to reflect on the love and memories he built over the years. Mr. Simien leaves to cherish his memories, his loving wife, Sylvia Simien; one daughter, Valencia Simien; three sons, Gregory Paul (Rosalind) Simien, Lance Christopher (Samantha) Simien, and Donovan Lee; six grandchildren, Gregory Simien II, Elena, David, Jeremiah, and Isaiah Simien, and Moriah James (Cedrick) Raby; five great grandchildren, Elise Blackwell, Mark Lewis, Ceriah, Cevyn, and Rhylee Raby. He was preceded in death by his parents, Tojan and Annie Simien; ten sisters, Beulah Lee, Frances Lee, Bernice Smith, Lacey Simien, Teresa Simien, Lou Ella Jones, Ella Mae Jones, Zelia Bohanan, Elsie Thibodeaux, and Delsie Citizen; and five brothers, Clifford, Wilson, Asie, Gene, and Wilton Simien. His visitation will be Friday, May 16, 2025, from 8:30AM to 11:30AM at James Funeral Home, with his funeral following at 12:00 noon, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church located at 610 Louisiana Avenue in Lake Charles. Burial will be at Sacred Heart Mausoleum.