Joyce Hulin Boudreaux

On Monday, October 28, 2024, a dear and sweet soul gently closed her eyes to this earthly life and went on to eternal peace and rest. Joyce Hulin Boudreaux, a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend to all she met, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family. She was 85.

Joyce was born March 21, 1939, in rural Iberia Parish near Youngsville to the late Ottis Hulin and the late Helen Duhon Hulin and was one of five children. She was raised in New Iberia where she graduated from New Iberia High School, class of 1957. During her school years and at the age of 14, Joyce met a young man by the name of Robert Boudreaux who courted her for ten years before asking her hand in marriage. When that day finally came, Joyces grandmother said to Robert, "Ne penses-tu pas qu'il était temps" or don't you think it was time, as he took ten long years to propose. Joyce lovingly accepted and they were married in 1962. Not long after their vows, Joyce and Robert would welcome their only child, Robert Boudreaux, Jr., or "Buddy" as he is known. Their marriage truly stood the test of time as they celebrated 62 years married, and 72 years together. A true love story.

Early on, Joyce worked with National Supermarket and Canal Villere, but in 1987, she and her brother Curtis opened Bi-Lo Supermarket, a local grocery store serving New Iberia. Joyce loved going to work and visiting with her customers. She had the uncanny ability to remember every one of her customers names and enjoyed catching up on their lives when they came in to shop. If Ms. Joyce found out about a milestone in their lives, or that a baby was on the way, she bought gifts for them and presented it to them on their next visit. Another of her favorite things to do at Bi-Lo was to pass out cookies to the little ones, and to the grownups as well. Holidays were a joy for her as she gave out treats and even dressed the part. Many will remember her dressed as Mrs. Clause for the Christmas holidays, passing out cookies and her homemade candies. And it goes without mentioning that she was very proud to work alongside her son, Buddy, as he carried on with ownership of Bi-Lo, taking care of their loyal customers.

Family was the highlight of her life. Joyce was very close to her daughter-in-law, Roxie and shared a friendship like no other. When Buddy and Roxie announced that they were expecting, Joyce became even more excited for the days. Gabrielle, or Gabby as Ms. Joyce lovingly called her, was the absolute joy of her and Robert's life. Together they traveled throughout the United States, had sleepovers (Gabby had her own room at Joyce and Roberts) and texted regularly. She brought a joy like no other and a renewed spirit to their lives. And as Joyce loved so many of the little ones, another little man came into Joyce and Robert’s life and stole their heart. Angelo Drago, Buddy’s nephew, held a special place in their lives and was never far away from Joyce and Robert. He often spent days with them at Bi-Lo and was their “bonus grandson” that they looked upon as their own, and Angelo loved them dearly.

Above all else, Ms. Joyce will be remembered for her loving and generous heart, her kindness, and friendship to all. She will be missed dearly by the many customers, friends, and children that she looked upon as her own sons and daughters and grandchildren. Rest well Mrs. Joyce. We love you.

Those left to carry her legacy are her husband of 62 years, Robert Boudreaux, Sr.; her son, Robert "Buddy" Boudreaux, Jr. and his wife Roxie John Boudreaux; her granddaughter, Gabrielle "Gabby" Boudreaux; her brother and sisters, Curtis Hulin, Linda Roberts, Charlene Hulin and Laurie Hulin; and a host of extended family and friends.

Funeral services celebrating Joyce's life will be held 11:00 am Friday, November 1, 2024 at Evangeline Funeral Home with Deacon Chris Doumit officiating. Following the service, Joyce will be laid to rest at Holy Family Mausoleum.

A gathering of family and friends will be held at Evangeline Funeral Home on Thursday from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm, with the recitation of the Rosary at 6:00 pm led by the Court Blessed Mother Theresa Catholic Daughters. Visiting hours will resume on Friday from 9:00 am until time of services.

Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Gabrielle Boudreaux, Angelo Drago, Tommy Menard, Collin Pellerin, Steve Matte and Bryan Boss.

To know Ms. Joyce was to know a dear soul that loved children and had a generous heart. In honor of her love and kindness, please consider a memorial donation in her name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to the Alzheimer's Foundation, 225 N. Michigan Ave. Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601, another charity close to her heart.

Relatives and friends are encouraged to share their memories and condolences with the Boudreaux family by visiting Ms. Joyce's memorial at www.evangelinenewiberia.com

Evangeline Funeral Home of New Iberia is in charge.