McNeal Cayette "Chakula Cha Jua"

Chakula Cha Jua (McNeal Cayette), of New Orleans, Louisiana, peacefully passed away at the age of 79, on Wednesday, March 5, 2025. He was the youngest son and the eight of nine children born to Ruffin and Mildred Cayette. He was preceded in death by his parents, and three brothers, Ruffin, Jr., Ronald, and Bernell Cayette, along with his sister, Joyce Verret. He is survived by four sisters, Bernice King, Jeanie Harris, Dolores Marco, and Christine Johnson.

Chakula Cha Jua was born and raised in New Orleans. He graduated from Book T. Washington High School and attended the University of New Orleans. He was a veteran of the United States Air Force serving from September 1964 until August 1968.

His career and passion were the arts and theater. He was a director, actor, writer, and teacher. He was also an accomplished poet and essayist. He wrote and directed for various theaters until he founded the Chakula Cha Jua Theater Company. He was the recipient of numerous awards over the years.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Mass in the chapel of Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. in New Orleans, on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at 10:00AM. A visitation will be held at the funeral home beginning at 9:00AM. The interment will follow the Mass at Lake Lawn Park.

To view and sign the online guest book, please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com