Sylvia and her twin sister, Nelvia, were born in Lake Charles on June 22, 1940, to Raymond and Telice Gaspard. She was raised in a large family with thirteen siblings. She graduated from LaGrange Senior High School in 1959, and married Titus Guillotte in May 1966. She gave birth to Lloyd “Choppy,” Karen, and Titus Jr. “Kenny.” In her diverse career, she held positions at LaGrange Senior High School and Mr. D’s on the Bayou, but her greatest role was that of mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt. She enjoyed nothing more than cooking for her family or playing a game of bourré with her girlfriends. Her grandchildren relished watching Game Show Network with her and discovering her knowledge, quick wit, and sauciness; and, nobody could make a pair of white tennis shoes so pristine or a sweatshirt smell so fresh and clean. She loved fiercely, never met a stranger, and was a loyal family member and friend to all.
In 2000, she married Harold Mangum and held positions at Nash Fence Company and Hixson Funeral Home, where she greeted everyone with a warm smile and pure kindness.
She was preceded in death by her parents and husbands; sisters Louise McCardle, Thelma Shepherd, Verda Williams, Enell Nash, Letha Cormier Vincent, and Carolyn “Shonnie” Primeaux; and brothers Glyn, Nadel, and Kirby.
She is survived by sons Choppy and husband, Peter, and Kenny and wife, Lindsey; daughter Karen Sanders and husband, Mike; grandchildren Amberly, Ashley, Hannah, Grant, Ryder, Rhyan, Caroline, and Emery; and great grandchildren Aliya and Bentley; twin sister Nelvia Murphy and husband, Guy; sister Gerdell Theriot; and brothers Nolan and John, and wife, Sharon; and two stepchildren Cassie Smith and husband, David; and Butch Mangum and wife, Debbie; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, January 24, 2023, at 9:30am, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Lake Charles. Father Alan Trouille will serve as Celebrant and Chad McCardle as Altar Server. Under the direction of Hixson’s Funeral Home, visitation will be on Monday evening from 4:00pm until 8:00pm with a Cursillo Rosary beginning at 6:00pm. Visitation will resume on Tuesday morning at the funeral home from 8:00am until the procession to the church at 9:00am.
Pallbearers are Guy Murphy III, Peter Galvin, Mike Sanders, Carl Murphy, Tyler Lavergne, Cade Lavergne, Grant Sanders, and Ryder Gaudet. Lectors will be Kami Cholley, Ashley Guillotte and Hannah Guillotte. Presentation of the gifts will be made by Barbara “Tink” Manual and Cheree McCardle.
The family would like to thank Dr. Gerry Hebert; Denise Peshoff and the supportive staff of Lake Charles Memorial Hospital; Ginger, Meghan, and the compassionate team of Harbor Hospice; and Jennifer Ardoin for her steadfast love and care.
Memorial donations may be made in Sylvia Mangum’s name to St. Jude or your charity of choice.
Fond memories and kind words may be shared with Sylvia's family at www.JEHixson.com.
