Etta Nelams Vannoy, a faithful servant of the Lord and beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, sister and dear friend, entered into her Glory in the early morning hours on of Sunday, June 27, 2021. She passed away at her home with her loving family at her side. She was 82.
Etta was born May 23, 1939 in Church Point, Louisiana to the late Amos Nelams and the late Edith Huckaby Nelams, and was raised by her foster parents, the late Pete and Thelma Foster. She was raised in a home filled with the spirit of the Lord and she lived that life to her passing.
Her husband of 64 years, Clarence (better known as “Tot”) recalls the very first time he saw her. He told his parents that very same day, “I met the girl that I’m going to marry and spend the rest of my life with.” They thought he was joking, but his heart was right on. They began courting and married in 1957 and have lived a life together filled with faith, love, and compassion for each other.
Mrs. Vannoy was a proud homemaker and devoted her time to family and ministry. Being that Mr. Clarence’s entire family worked with Louisiana State Penitentiary, she offered her time to not only pray for the incarcerated, but she sent gifts of clothing and cards so that the inmates could write home on holidays and special occasions. Mrs. Etta always sought the good in someone and believed that all deserved to be treated with kindness regardless of their past. She also worked faithfully with the Benevolent Ministry at her church. She and her fellow church family gave hope and assistance to those in need. Her children said of their mother, “She had a servant’s heart and love for all.” Her legacy will live on in the hearts and thoughts of all who knew and loved her. Rest well, for we will meet again.
Those left to cherish her memory is her husband and best friend of 68 years, Clarence “Tot” Vannoy; her five children, Jon A. Vannoy and wife Tammy, Ward A. Vannoy, Perry L. Vannoy and wife Renee, Anne Vannoy Courville and Janna L. Rowe; 12 grandchildren, Jonathan Vannoy, Garet Vannoy, Zack Vannoy, Molly Vannoy, Brandy Vannoy, David Vannoy, Heathe Courville, Hoyt Courville, Harlee Courville, Colton Rowe, Holden Rowe and Janai Rowe; 7 great grandchildren, Rowan Vannoy, Penelope Vannoy, Ashton Courville, Elliot Courville, Ava Courville, Anniston Barrett and Capri Courville; and her sisters, Betsy Adams, Nora Shepherd, Pearl Brown, Ruby Doucet, Gayle Riviere, Linda Gayler and Barbara Burns.
Along with her parents, she is preceded in death by her foster parents, Pete and Thelma Foster; her son-in-law, Hugh Mark Courville; her great grandsons, Nyle and Griffin Courville; and her brothers and sisters, Wayne Bihm, Rufus Nelands, Amos Dangler, Nancy Dangler, David Lafleur and Barbara Deshotels.
Funeral services celebrating Mrs. Etta will be held at 1:00 pm Monday, June 28, 2021 at First Baptist Church of Broussard, 210 Morgan Street. Rev. Weldon Moak will officiate with Rev. Garron Maples co-officiating. Following services, Mrs. Vannoy will be laid to rest at Morrow Baptist Church Cemetery in Morrow, Louisiana at 3:30 pm.
A gathering of family and friends will be held at First Baptist Church of Broussard, 210 Morgan Street in Broussard on Monday from 8:30 am until time of services.
Honored to serve as pallbearers are Jonathan, Garet, Zack and David Vannoy, Heathe and Hoyt Courville, Colton and Holden Rowe and Legion Myers. Her granddaughters, Molly and Brandy Vannoy, Harlee Courville and Janai Rowe will serve as honorary pallbearers.
In keeping with Mrs. Vannoy’s devotion and love of her church, please consider making a contribution in her name to the First Baptist Church Benevolent Fund, so that her ministry can continue to assist those in need.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Amedisys Home Health and Transitions Hospice for the love, care and compassion shown to our dear Etta. You are all greatly appreciated.
Family and friends are encouraged to share their condolences, memories and support with the family by visiting Etta’s memorial page at www.evangelinefuneralhome.com
Evangeline Funeral Home of New Iberia is in charge of arrangements.
