Eugene Henry Cypress

1948 - 2021

Eugene "Gene" Henry Cypress was born in Northampton County, Virginia on March 16, 1948, to the late Virginia Mae House and Henry Darrel Cypress, Jr. of Cheapside, New Jersey. Eugene transitioned into a peaceful and eternal rest on Monday, August 16, 2021, at the age of 73. Eugene was affectionately known by his family and friends as "Gene". As Gene grew and became a working adult, he departed New Jersey and relocated to New Orleans, where he found employment to show off his many workable skills and talents. Gene decided to further his education by enrolling in Southern University at New Orleans. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology. With a strong interest in his major and career, Gene decided to return to SUNO and obtained his master's degree. Gene, Private 1st Class, was an Army Veteran. He served his time during the Vietnam War conducting Reconnaissance Missions. Gene was a carpenter from the Northeast Carpenters Union Local #254 in Edison, New Jersey. Gene retired from Carpenters Local Union #1846 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Eugene was introduced to Virgie Leon by a family member. They became quite acquainted as friends enjoying one another company and sharing each one's hobbies, outings, and family activities. Gene enjoyed fishing with his friends and brother-in-law Nathaniel Leon, Sr. Gene was also an avid reader and researcher to enhance his knowledge of things unknown. On April 7, 2012, Eugene married his Best Friend. Oh, how happy and proud he was on his wedding day as he said "I Do" to Virgie. The sad news came when Gene was diagnosed with a form of blood cancer. Gene and Virgie shared many visits to the doctors at the V.A. Hospital as he received his treatments. But, through it all, Gene still found time to enjoy family and life. Gene was preceded in death by his mother, Virginia Mae House, and his father, Henry Darrel Cypress, Jr. Eugene leaves to cherish and carry on his legacy, his devoted wife Virgie Leon Cypress, four sisters: Debra Cypress, Sharon Cypress, Lisa Cypress, Penny Cypress; children: Toby Cypress (Gretchen), Bryanne Cypress-MoCombe (Jean Claude), Tawny Cypress (Tom Dillon), Toya Jordan (Tawan), Lawrence Galle III (Diamond); Grandchildren: Dexter Cypress, Henry MoCombe, Virginia MoCombe, Taya Amani Jordan and London Marie Galle. Sisters-in-law: Joyce Leon Bunch, Toni Leon Garner, Felicia Leon, Jennifer Leon Aramburo (Alden), Joan Leon, Ivory Leon Lewis (Donald, Sr.), Claudia Leon; brothers-in-law: Alvin Leon, Jr. (Maxine), Clarence Leon (Madeline), Tommie "Wookie" Leon, Nathaniel Leon, Sr. (Lauren), Tyrone Leon. Gene is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends. Relatives, friends, employees, staff, and faculty of Benjamin Franklin School, City Hall, Dillard University, Primerica, and Local Union #1846 are invited to attend the Celebration of Life on Friday, September 17, 2021, in the Chapel of Charbonnet Labat Glapion Funeral Home, 1615 St. Philip, New Orleans, LA 70116. Rev. Ronnie London, officiating. Visitation from 9:00 a.m. until time of service at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be private. Arrangements entrusted to Charbonnet Labat Glapion Funeral Home, 1615 St. Philip St., New Orleans, LA 70116. Due to COVID-19, everyone in attendance is required to wear a face mask and practice social distancing at all times. Please sign the online guestbook at Charbonnet Labat Funeral Home - New Orleans, LA, Charbonnet Labat Glapion, Directors (504) 581-4411. Special Note: All attending the funeral will be checked for vaccination before being admitted to the Charbonnet Labat Glapion Funeral Home.