Claudia "Cookie" Knight Schexnayder

Claudia “Cookie” Knight Schexnayder, born on September 23, 1952 in New Orleans, Louisiana passed away peacefully on January 8, 2025 in San Diego, California. Claudia spent her early years in Garyville, Louisiana before making her home in Lutcher. She was a proud graduate of Holy Rosary High School where she was an avid clarinetist. She pursued higher education at Southern University. There, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education (Speech Pathology) and a Master of Education in Administration and Supervision. During her time at Southern University, Claudia became a devoted member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, an affiliation that remained a source of pride and joy throughout her life.

Her professional career was defined by her dedication to helping others as a Speech Pathologist within the St. James and St. John Parish school systems. Claudia’s compassion and commitment to her work left an enduring impact on the students and families she served. Beyond her professional achievements, she played an integral role alongside her late husband, Les Schexnayder, in founding Hi-Tech Services, Inc., exemplifying her steadfast devotion to family and shared endeavors.

Claudia was preceded in death by her parents, Charles & Rose (Minor) Knight, her beloved husband, Les Schexnayder, and her father and mother-in-law Leonard & Doris (Sorapuru) Schexnayder. She was also preceded in death by her grandparents, Virginia Bougere & Jonas Minor and Octavia Bardell & Jeffery Knight. She is survived by her son Brian, daughter-in-law Sarah, and two cherished grandchildren, Hannah and Jake. Though Claudia was an only child, she dearly loved her warm family of in-laws. She cheerfully embraced time with her aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, Godchildren, and friends.

Claudia will be remembered for her kind heart, unwavering love of her family, and the lasting influence she had on those fortunate enough to know her. She enjoyed music, traveling, shopping, cooking, and spending time with her family-including her late puppies Alex and Camden. Her legacy of love and service will continue to inspire all who carry her memory forward.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Edgard on January 25th, 2025 at 10:00 am (visitation starts at 8:00 AM). Interment will be across the river at St. Peter Cemetery in Reserve.

May Claudia rest in eternal peace. She is Forever Loved.

IN LIEU OF FLOWERS

Memorial gifts can be made to the Claudia Knight Schexnayder Scholarship Fund, benefiting deserving high school graduates from the local River Parishes of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated – Phi Sigma Omega Chapter, who plan to attend Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Donations are tax-deductible and can be sent to:

La Fondation Rose et Verte de Louisiane

Claudia Knight Schexnayder Scholarship Fund

P.O. Box 403

Gonzales, Louisiana 70707

or via Zelle: [email protected]

For more information, contact Lucy Bremond at [email protected] or 832-654-0041