Leona Melancon Manuel passed away peacefully at the age of 85 on Wednesday June 21, 2006, surrounded by her children. She was a long time resident of Erath, Louisiana and a native of Thibodaux, Louisiana. She was a graduate of Thibodaux High School and Spencer Business College, New Orleans, Louisiana. She was a secretary with the Lafourche Parish Welfare Office, Thibodaux, Louisiana and the Vermilion Parish County Agents Office, Abbeville, Louisiana. Leona was a loving mother, grandmother and a devoted Catholic who practiced her faith with love and devotion. Her greatest joy was spending time with all of her cherished children and grandchildren. She enjoyed traveling with her late husband, O.J., reading, listening to music, tending her flowers and plants and visiting with friends. She is survived by her five children and their spouses, David and Betty Coe Manuel, San Antonio, Texas; Denise and Don Contine, Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Celeste and Paul Wiggins, Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Renee and Don Lawhorne, Plano, Texas; and Myron and Terri Manuel, Erath, Louisiana. She had 12 grandchildren and two step-granddaughters. She is also survived by one brother, Zenon Melancon and one sister, Toudelle Gaubert of Thibodaux, Louisiana. She was preceded in death by her husband of fifty years, O.J. Manuel, her mother and father, Clement and Cecilia Benoit Melancon and her sister, Clemence Ordogne. She was a member of the Catholic Daughters, a former member of Mended Hearts, the Demi-Tasse Club and the Twelve and Go Social Organization of Erath. She was also a founding member of Our Lady of Lourdes CCD program in 1953. A Mass of Christian Burial was held Saturday June 24, 2006 at 10:30 AM at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Erath officiated by Father Wayne Duet. A rosary will be recited at 7 PM Friday. Visitation will be held from 4 PM to 9 PM Friday June 23, 2006. Visitations will continue Saturday 8 AM till time of service. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to Hospice of Baton Rouge- 9063 Siegen Lane Suite-A, Baton Rouge, Louisiana " 70810, the American Heart Association or a charity of your choice. David Funeral Home of Erath is in charge of arrangements.
