Lorraine Joyce Benoit Coleman

A memorial service will be held for Lorraine Joyce Benoit Coleman on February 21, 2015 from 11:00 AM till 2:00 PM at Evangeline Funeral Home in New Iberia, LA. Lorraine passed away on January 21, 2015 at Lafayette General Hospital.

Lorraine was born on August 5, 1927 in Lake Charles, LA and moved to New Iberia at the age of 12. She graduated from New Iberia High at the age of 16. Lorraine began her teaching career at an early age in Delcambre, LA with a “T” certificate while attending SLI (ULL). During college she sang with several well-known Big Bands, recording a record of her own. She graduated from SLI (ULL) with a Master’s in Education. From 1959-1967, Lorraine taught at Elizabeth Forgey School (North Lewis Elementary) in New Iberia, LA and from 1967-1978 she taught at New Iberia Junior High teaching Louisiana History. Every year during her teaching career she brought her students on field trips to New Orleans, LA to let her students experience the history and tour the Battlefield in Chalmette. Lorraine retired January 2, 1978, but remained a substitute teacher for many years.

In the early 70’s, she was also in the fashion industry, owning a Boutique (Lorraine’s) downtown Main Street in New Iberia, LA. She was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary and also a Board Member of the Louisiana Sugar Cane Festival and Fair Association for many years.

After retiring from her teaching career, Lorraine began a career in Real Estate as a Property Manager of multi-family properties and commercial shopping centers throughout Acadiana and Las Vegas, Nevada. Lorraine was one of the founding members of the Acadiana Apartment Association which, at the time of Articles of Incorporation, was named the Greater Lafayette Apartment Association, January 15, 1972. The name was changed to Acadiana Apartment Association in January 1985. She was instrumental in getting this membership association together, as well as instrumental in writing the Articles of Incorporation. Lorraine, along with 3 other individuals, saw the need in getting the association to work together with apartment members and vendors to assure that the apartment industry was brought into an entity that was professional and apartments were kept up to standards that anyone would wish to live in. It began and remains a self-governing entity and multi-family industry, in large part due to individuals such as Lorraine Coleman.

Lorraine served on the Board of Directors, and was installed as President during the 70’s. She served proudly and efficiently, working with her board to assure that all members and apartment personnel were educated in this industry. She taught the certification courses, CAMI and CAMII, and was part of the apartment industry until her retirement in the 90’s.

Lorraine is survived by her four children: John A. Coleman, Jr. of St. Martinville, LA; Twin daughters, Madelyn Coleman Dugas (husband, Dean) of New Iberia, LA and Marilyn Coleman McDonald (husband, Scott Francis) of Lafayette, LA and Leslie Coleman of Lafayette, LA.

Grandchildren: Twin granddaughters, April and Amy Coleman of Houston, TX; Dean Paul Dugas (Fiancée Kimberly Alspaugh) of New Iberia, LA; Madelyn Elaine Dugas of New Iberia, LA; Devin Paul Henry of New Orleans, LA; Cherie Manette Kilchrist of Nashville, TN; Charlene Marguarite Rice Richard (husband, Mark) of Houston, TX; Lorraine Claire Rice Thibeaux (Seneca James) of Houston, TX and John W. L. Coleman of Lafayette, LA.

Great Grandchildren: Belen and Alex Artiaga of Houston, TX; Daniel Patrick Henry of Lake Charles, LA; Peyton James Thibeaux, Carter James Thibeaux and Noah James Thibeaux of Houston, TX; Sister-in Laws: Janice Long Benoit of New Iberia, LA and Evelyn Coleman Brown of Baton Rouge, LA and brother Lorraine was preceded in death by her husband John A. Coleman, Sr.; parents Lloyd Leslie Benoit and Thelma Marie Knight Benoit, a brother, Robert Wayne Benoit, Grandson, Scott Francis McDonald, II; daughter-in law, Melinda Garza Coleman. Lorraine touched so many lives and was a true inspiration to her students and residents. She loved her family and her home was always opened.

She was a wonderful singer, fantastic cook, great seamstress and a very gracious host. Her sense of “Style” is remembered by many with whom she taught and met along the way. Her favorite was a quote from a song sung by Bing Crosby and the Andrew Sisters.

We would like to thank Dr. Brown and all the staff in ICU at Lafayette General Hospital for all the comfort they gave our mother and to all her family. Lorraine was 87 years old.

Evangeline Funeral Home of New Iberia (337) 364-1881 is in charge of arrangements.