Mattie Jo Smotherman Ramsey Ransonnet

Mattie Jo Smotherman Ramsey Ransonnet

Mattie Jo Smotherman Ramsey Ransonnet, 88, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Sunday, October 25, 2015, while residing with her daughter in LaPlace, Louisiana. She was born in Shelby County, Texas on October 18, 1927, to Joe and Minnie Myrtle Hooper Smotherman. Jo married Ray Ford Ramsey upon his return from World War II in 1945. Their marriage produced her two children. She and Ford moved around Texas and Louisiana during the early years of their marriage as he worked in the oil industry finally settling in New Iberia, Louisiana and owning and operating their own bait shop and Ramsey Mud Company. Jo became a widow when Ford died of heart disease in 1963. She remarried in 1968 to Harry Paul Ransonnet who preceded her in death as well in 2007. She had resided in Ball, Louisiana since 1976 and was very active in the Ball Community Center.

She is survived by her two children daughter Racelia Kay Dauterive [son-in-law Larry] and son Robert Lynn Ramsey as well as grandchildren Dionne Dauterive Duhe' [grandson-in-law Kevin], Jamie Dauterive Andrews, and Troy, Laurie, Chad, and David [deceased] Ramsey. She also was the very much loved great- grandmother to thirteen great-grandchildren including Courtney Renee' Duhe', MacKenzie Kay Andrews, Ashley, Jamie, Jade, Gavin, Tate, Rikki, Brett, Chris, Tori, and Seth Ramsey and Derek Bourque. Jo had three great-great grandchildren as well. Ricky and Patty Harper of Ball, their children, Heather and Derrick, and grandchildren, Paige and Andrew Newton and Mac Harper were also considered a part of "Ms. Jo's" family.

Jo was affectionately known as "Josephine" to the people who loved her the most. She was an expert domino, gin rummy, Yahtzee, and Rummikub player which she taught to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren with a "take no prisoners" attitude. The joy of her life was sharing her passion of fishing for bream with her family. She had a love for the outdoors and wildlife and spent the last couple years of her life relishing watching the hummingbirds, cardinals, chickadees, rabbits, and squirrels which watered in her yard. She will forever be missed by all of us.

Upon her request, the family will hold an intimate service on the Atchafalaya Basin on Sunday, November 8 where we will celebrate her life and know that she will forever be watching over us.