Jeanita Joubert

Jeanita F. Joubert

Imagine
Stepping onto a shore and finding it heaven
Imagine
Taking hold of a hand and finding it Gods hand
Imagine
Breathing new air and finding it celestial air
Imagine
Feeling invigorated and finding it immortality
Imagine
Passing from storm and tempest to an unknown calm
Imagine
waking and finding it home

Michael Podesta

Jeanita, affectionately known as Jane, 82, journeyed home to her Lord, on June 14, 2013, surrounded by her loved ones at her residence after a brief illness.

Jane began her earthly sojourn on January 25, 1931, in Grand Prairie, LA and lived in Opelousas.

Jane was wife to the late Lionel Joubert, and the mother of two children, Sheila Millien, of Gonzales and Derrell Joubert, of Opelousas. She was employed by National Food Stores, Inc. as Head cashier until retirement, when she found her true vocation as Director of a shelter for the homeless, Maranatha Manor, here in Opelousas.

Janes title Director included way more than just running and overseeing, as she was counselor, protector, spiritual advisor, confidant, cook, housekeeper, taxi, healer, affirmer to those marginalized by society. Jane took the words of Jesus seriously that as a Christian, one leads by serving, and the words attributed to St. Francis, Go and preach the gospel to all people and use words if necessary. Jane was recognized by her local community, receiving the Chamber of Commerce Humanitarian Award, and was recognized by the Sertoma Club, receiving the Service to Mankind Award at the local, regional, and international level. Being ever grateful for the recognition, Janes greatest joy came with being invited to pray with and worship at Mass with Mother Teresa Jane received many visits from Mother Teresas sisters in Baton Rouge, and residents when it was determined their residents needed more longterm love and care. Janes ministry at Maranatha Manor ended after thirteen years when the building, which served as a home and sanctuary to so many, was reclaimed by a local parochial school.

In addition to spending time with and cooking for her family, and ministry to the lessfortunate and needy which continued in many forms after Maranatha, Jane loved to travel, whether as a pilgrim to the Holy Land and Rome, crosscountry trips to Oregon or short excursions to the beach or ocean, her greatest love, whether it was the Gulf of Mexico, the Pacific Ocean, or the Atlantic. A prerequisite though, to any trip to the beach was numerous loaves of bread to feed the seagulls. Oh my God, did she love to feed those gulls

Jane is survived by her two children, Sheila, wife of Jeff Millien, of Gonzales and Derrell , husband of Melanie Joubert, of Opelousas brothers Irving Fontenot, Shirley Ray and wife, Mimi, Fontenot of Baton Rouge, and Jimmy Fontenot and wife, Pattie, of Cankton and sister, Neva, wife of Ben Savoy of Baton Rouge. She is also survived by two grandchildren, two stepgrandchildren, four greatgrandchildren, and five stepgreatgrandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. And last but certainly not least, Charley Parker, her loyal and devoted pet companion.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Lionel Joubert, and her brother, Donald Fontenot her parents, Armille and Lucille Fontenot and her two faithful pet companions, Bridget and Pippin.

The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Lafond Funeral Home on Monday, June 17, from 5 pm to 8 pm, with rosary at 6:30 pm, and Tuesday, June 18, from 8 am to time of service. The funeral liturgy a celebration of Gods love and Janes life will be held at 10:30 am at Queen of Angels Catholic Church.

The family wishes at this time to thank all those involved in the final leg of Janes jouney to God, whom she loved and served: Dr. Louis Nix, Hospice of Acadiana and staff, especially nurse Donnie, to Monsignor Metrejean and Deacon Ken Arnaud, and last but by no means least, Janes caregivers Juanita Sonnier and Joanne Darby. These two angels of mercy worked around the clock for over two months, not only taking care of Janes physical needs, but showering her with love, affection, and humor. Juanita and Joanne, you were not employees, your were both blessings that enabled us to endure. Thank You And to her many friends her visited with her, comforted her and loved her.

The family also requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Janes name to Hospice of Acadiana andor St. Judes Childrens Hospital or a charity of your choice. Personal condolences may be sent to the family at www.lafondardoin.com.

LaFondArdoin Funeral Home of Opelousas, 2845 S. Union St, Opelousas, LA, 70570, 337 9422638 has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.

Visitation

Lafond Ardoin Funeral Home
2845 S. Union Street
Opelousas, LA  70570
Monday, June 17, 2013
5:00 8:00 p.m. Tues. 8:00 a.m.

Service

Church

Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church
2125 South Union Street
Opelousas, LA  70570
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
10:30 a.m.

Cemetery

Bellevue Memorial ParkH
4833 Hwy. 182 South
Opelousas, LA  70570

Memorial Contributions

2600 Johnston Street
Lafayette, LA  70503


501 St. Jude Place
Memphis, TN  38105