Edmond "LJ" Lester Norris, Jr., age 84, passed away peacefully on September 20, 2024, at Belle Teche Nursing Home. Born on January 19, 1940, in Iberia Parish to the late Edmond Lester "Bud" and Mildred Comeaux Norris, LJ dedicated his life to his faith, family, and community.
A lifelong member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, LJ served as a eucharistic minister for many years, exemplifying his deep commitment to his faith. He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus Council 3425 and the Msgr. J.M. Langlois Assembly, achieving the honor of Fourth Degree Knight.
LJ’s impact on the community was significant. He worked for Evangeline Life Insurance and Evangeline Funeral Home, earning respect and admiration from all who knew him. A passionate sports enthusiast, he served as an umpire for 30 years with the New Iberia Recreation Department, where he was inducted into the first Hall of Fame in 2004.
Beyond his professional contributions, LJ had a deep love for Cajun French music. He and his wife were longstanding members of Les Cadiens du Teche, Cajun French Music Association, where he served as Past President.
LJ’s greatest legacy, however, lies in the love and care he showed to his family. He will be dearly missed by his devoted wife, daughters, sons-in-law, and grandchildren, all of whom carry cherished memories of his unwavering support and kindness.
Those left behind to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 62 years, Wilda Hebert Norris; his three daughters, Phyllis Norris Guidry and husband James; Kimberly Norris Romero and husband Craig; and Leslie Norris Guardia and husband Greg; and his six grandchildren: Stephan Guidry, Christina Guidry Benoit, Cynthia Romero, Caroline Romero, Maxwell Guardia and Samuel Guardia.
Along with his parents he is preceded in death by his sister, Deborah “Debbie” Meyers; his paternal grandparents, Clemire and Anna Linnartz Norris and his maternal Grandparents, Demar and Elia Gary Comeaux.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, September 23, 2024 at 11:00 am at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church. Fr. Keith Landry will officiate. LJ will be laid to rest following the mass at Memorial Park Cemetery.
A gathering of family and friends will be held at Evangeline Funeral Home on Sunday, September 22, 2024 from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm. The Men’s Rosary Group will lead the recitation of the Rosary at 6:00 pm on Sunday. The funeral home will reopen on Monday at 8:00 am until 10:30 am.
Honored to serve as pallbearers are James Guidry, Craig Romero, Greg Guardia, Stephan Guidry, Trent Meyers, and Gene Vincent. Maxwell Guardia, Samuel Guardia, Don Granger, Perry Leleux, Kenny Pellerin, and the Staff of Evangeline Funeral Home will be honorary pallbearers.
The family wishes to express their gratitude to the staff of Belle Teche Nursing & Rehab and Community Hospice for their excellent care of our loved one.
Memorial donations may be made in his name to the charity of one’s choice.
Friends and relatives are encouraged to share their memories and condolences on LJ’s memorial page at www.evangelinenewiberia.com
Evangeline Funeral Home of New Iberia is in charge of arrangements.
