Amelia Benavides

Amelia Holguin Benavides, a longtime resident of Bayou Vista, was called to her heavenly home on Thursday, February 12, 2026 at the age of 81. This date was special, as it was the birthdate of one of her beloved grandchildren, Valentina.

Amelia was the heart and glue of her family, who were truly her world—especially her beloved grandchildren. A devoted and hardworking provider, she poured her passion and determination into building her well-known and respected business, Amelia’s for Hair, believing deeply in the value of hard work and in the dream she created. She was an excellent cook, a gift her family will forever cherish, and she took great pride in her gardening, transforming her yard into a beautiful oasis enjoyed by customers, friends, and loved ones alike. In her younger days, she enjoyed playing cards with friends and proudly earned recognition as a grand champion bowler, memories she carried with her throughout her life. Amelia also found joy in trying her luck on the slot machines at the casino and gathering with friends over the years to share laughter and good company. She loved fun because she was fun—full of life, with a big, bright personality. Outspoken and honest, she never bit her tongue, and those who knew her will always remember her strength, warmth, and unforgettable spirit.

Amelia is survived by her two daughters, Norma Marcell and her husband, Jacob, and Christina Jaet and her husband, Christopher; her grandchildren, Michael Raymond Hill and his wife, Natalie, Dr. Shawn Jacob Marcell and his wife, Sarah, Marisa Christina Guidry and her husband, Ashton, and Ireland Jaet and her companion, Jake Crawford; and four great grandchildren, Michael Anthony Hill and his fiancé, Ryan Kathrine, Valentina Rose Guidry, Matteo Riley Hill, and Sofia Josephine Marcell. She is also survived by six siblings, Daniel “Danny” Holguin Jr., Eduardo “Eddie” Holguin, Anna McRae, Rudy Holguin, Samuel “Sammy” Holguin, and JoAnn Frazier.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond Amparano Benavides; her mother and step father, Amparo and Joe Anaya; her father, Daniel Holguin Sr.; two brothers, Silvestre “Tito” Holguin and Mario Rico and one grandson, Timothy Riley Hill.

The family requests that a time of visitation be observed on Monday, February 16, 2026 in the hall at St. Bernadette Catholic Church in Bayou Vista from 9:00am until time of dismissal. Following visitation, a rosary will begin promptly at 11:30am in the St. Bernadette Catholic Church.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held for Amelia on Monday, February 16, 2026 at 12noon in the St. Bernadette Catholic Church with Father Thainese Alphonse officiating. Amelia will be laid to rest in the Morgan City Cemetery following services.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Hargrave Funeral Home of Morgan City, Louisiana.