January 12, 1939 – August 1, 2025
Betty Jane McGee, affectionately known as Maw-Maw Betty, was called home peacefully on August 1, 2025, surrounded by love. A proud Louisiana native, she was born in Eunice in 1939 to Cless and Della McGee, both of whom preceded her in death.
Betty was one of five siblings. She is preceded in death by her beloved sister, Elaine Stegall of Lake Charles, LA, and is survived by her sister, Joanne Sexton of Nashville, TN; her brothers, Dr. James McGee and his wife Faye of Lake Charles, LA, and Daniel McGee, also of Lake Charles. Her grandmother, Alice Stevens, also held a very special place in her heart.
She is survived by her two children, James Ivory and Denise Hebert, whom she loved deeply and parented with pride. She was the cherished grandmother of four: Kristin Ivory Finch and her husband, Lewis; the daughter of James Ivory and Elizabeth; and Kayla and Brian Hebert, the children of Denise and her high school sweetheart, Sam Hebert. All of them held a special place in her heart. Kristin also gave her two treasured great-granddaughters, Sarah Lumpkin and Amelia Morris.
Betty lived a life defined by strength, spirit, service, and heart. For 18 years, she worked with dedication at Vista Conoco, retiring as a top operator; an accomplishment she took great pride in. After retirement, she continued to serve others, volunteering her time at both Cal-Cam Hospital and St. Patrick’s Hospital, always showing up with purpose and presence.
Magnetic in her energy and unmistakable in her honesty, Betty embodied the fire in her McGee name, “son of fire”, a flame she carried into every aspect of her life. She was sharp, strong-willed, and unafraid to speak her truth. Yet behind that fire was a warm smile, a soft heart, and a deep, abiding love for her family.
She found joy in life’s simple pleasures: cooking hearty Cajun meals, baking, reading, dancing, laughing, and storytelling. She loved science and opera music, and she lit up most when surrounded by loved ones, sharing jokes, wisdom, and memories around the table.
In her later years, Betty built a beautiful life in Hackberry, Louisiana, with her beloved husband Charles LeDoux, who also preceded her in death. Their home became a hub of food, family, and warmth. Though she was often seen as serious and no-nonsense, her family knew her as someone full of life, love, and fire.
Her presence was bold. Her love was fierce. Her legacy lives on in the laughter, strength, and spirit of those she leaves behind.
Services will be held on Sunday, August 10th, at Hixon’s Funeral Home, located at 3001 Ryan St, Lake Charles, LA 70601. Visitation will be from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, with the Memorial Service beginning at 3:00 PM.
