Dora Belle Vaughn Mestayer, a beloved matriarch cherished for her devotion to family, faith, and friendship, peacefully passed away on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at Iberia Medical Center, at the age of 95. Dora Belle's life was a testament to love, faith, and selflessness.
Born in the serene countryside of rural Cameron Parish, in the quaint town of Hackberry, Dora Belle was the cherished daughter of the late Oliver Vaughn, Sr., and the late Gertrude Ransonet Vaughn. She was the only daughter among three siblings, growing up with a deep appreciation for family bonds and community ties.
Dora Belle's unwavering faith was a cornerstone of her life, and she was a dedicated member of St. Joseph Catholic Church throughout her days. She found solace and joy in attending mass and cherishing the camaraderie of her church family. Her commitment to her faith was paralleled only by her devotion to her own family.
Affectionately known as "The Queen," Dora Belle epitomized maternal love and familial warmth. Her greatest joy was found in the company of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, whom she showered with endless love and her renowned culinary creations. Her legendary spaghetti was a source of delight for all who were fortunate enough to taste it.
In addition to her roles as a loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother, Dora Belle found comfort in the companionship of her friends, often spending cherished moments engaged in card games and heartfelt conversations.
While the loss of Dora Belle leaves a void in the hearts of those who knew her, her memory is celebrated through the 95 years of love, laughter, and cherished memories she leaves behind. Her family finds solace in the belief that they will one day be reunited with her in eternal peace.
Those left to cherish her memory are her daughters, Simone Waguespack and companion Walter Landry, Jr., and Maxine Mestayer; her grandchildren and their families, Ricky Smith and his children Adleigh and Liahna, Logan Waguespack and wife Cortni and their children Cohen, Jolie, Marlow, Banks and Penelope, Kevin Freeman, Trace Waguespack and wife Carlie and their children Vivian and Natalie; and her brother, Gerald Joseph Vaughn.
Along with her parents, she is preceded in death by her beloved husband of over 70 years, Paul Earl Mestayer; her son, Glenn Edward Mestayer, and her brother, Sonny Vaughn.
A Mass of Christian Burial honoring Dora Belle's life will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, May 24, 2024, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Loreauville, with Fr. Barry Crochet officiating. Following the mass, Dora Belle will be laid to rest beside her husband in St. Joseph Cemetery. A gathering of family and friends will be held at church on Friday from 10:00 am until mass time.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Ricky Smith, Logan Waguespack, Trace Waguespack, Kevin Freeman, Walter Landry, Jr. and Aaron Mestayer.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Dora Belle's caregiver, Terri Francis, and the staff of Hospice of Acadiana for their compassionate care, and to Monique Mire, her hair stylist, who styled her hair so beautifully every time.
Expressions of sympathy and fond memories of Dora Belle may be shared with the family on her memorial page at www.evangelinenewiberia.com.
Funeral services are pending and will be published as they are completed.
Arrangements are entrusted to Evangeline Funeral Home of New Iberia.
