Services to honor her life will be held at Hill Crest Memorial in Haughton, LA, beginning with: a Visitation between 5 & 7 PM, Wednesday, June 23, 2021; a Funeral at 10:00 AM Thursday, June 24th; followed by the Committal Service.
Ceal was born in New Orleans on February 8, 1946. She frequently talked about growing up in South Louisiana and playing on the banks of the Mississippi River with her siblings and cousins. She graduated from Buras High School in 1964, married Jimmie Benson on October 24, 1966, and then moved to Northwest LA in 1968. It didn’t take long for Ceal to settle in and adopt this area as her new home. Family and food were Ceal’s passions. It was understood that there was always a standing welcome for those in need of a place to stay or a good meal to eat. After many years of owning a store/deli in Bellevue, LA, then a restaurant in Bossier City, she proudly opened Ceal’s Café on East Texas Street. Ceal’s Café served the best home cooked meals. Ceal was a self-taught cook and didn’t disappoint with her New Orleans culinary influence. She knew her way around the kitchen! Some would say no one worked harder than Ceal. However, those who knew her best understood that Ceal was passionate. She was fierce and she was loyal, a fighter and a survivor, a care-taker and a protector - she was the epitome of a “strong woman.” All those around her were treated like family. She was a true matriarch and was like a mother to many – a role she was most proud. She understood when someone needed a helping hand and was happy to offer it. There was no question that she loved her family.
Ceal’s leadership and entrepreneurial skills afforded her the opportunity to be the first female captain of the Krewe of Centaur and – in typical Ceal fashion – she was the first captain to be elected for three years standing. She was a charter member and rode in the first Krewe of Centaur parade.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Marion Cecile Cognevich Holmes; father, Eugene Orville Holmes; sister, Susan Ann Holmes Hudgens; mother-in-law, Mildred Christine Blantant Benson; father-in-law, Paul Alfred Benson; brother-in-law, Morris Wayne Benson; sister-in-law, Peggy Ann Benson Foster; brother-in-law, John Foster. She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Jimmie Alfred Benson of Bossier City, LA; daughters Janelle Marie Benson and Shelly Rene’ Benson of Bossier City, LA; son, Brian Neal Benson of Bossier City, LA; and step son, Billy Benson of Bossier City, LA. Granddaughter Brittin Cecilia Thibodeaux-Medus and her husband Jacob of Shreveport, LA; Brook Teresa Thibodeaux of Metairie, LA; grandson, Benjamin Jude Thibodeaux of Lafayette, LA; granddog Maggie Mae. Brother Lynn Joseph Holmes and his wife, Sherri of Bossier City, LA; sister, Janice Mae Hudman and her husband, Jimmy of Magnolia, AR; sister, Mary Jean Kirkland and her husband, Billy of Seguin, TX; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Kay and Walter Ray Fitzgerald of Blanchard, LA, sister-in-law Gayle Benson of Shongaloo, LA; sister-in-law Linda Johnson of Haughton, LA and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. A special thank you to Pat Gladney (who we fondly refer to as Ceal’s adopted daughter) and Trula Grissom for all your help throughout these many years.
Pallbearers: Benjamin Thibodeaux, Dennis Carlton, Scott Holmes, Hunter Holmes, Blaine Holmes and Jacob Medus. Honorary Pallbearer: Lynn Holmes
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the COPD foundation or a quit smoking foundation/campaig
