Lessie Hilliard Soileau

NEW IBERIA – Funeral Services will be conducted for Mrs. D.M. Soileau, Sr., the former Lessie Hilliard, age 94, at 1:00 am Saturday, November 2, 2013 at Evangeline Funeral Home with Rev. Drew Sutton officiating. Interment will follow at Rosehill Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm until 9:00 pm on Friday. The funeral home will reopen at 9:00 am on Saturday until service time.

A native of St. Landry Parish and resident of New Iberia, Mrs. Soileau passed away at 2:38 am on Thursday, October 31, 2013 at her residence.

Mrs. Soileau was affectionately known as Mom and Ma by her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed gardening and flowers, jig saw puzzles, and was an avid sports fan. She was often found cheering on the Saints, LSU, and the Braves only because the Astros weren’t televised. She loved country music, especially Josh Turner, and just about anything that she could dance to. Her nightly ritual included eating vanilla ice cream while watching David Letterman with her family. These memories along with so many others will be cherished for many years to come.

She is survived by her daughters, Loraine Barras of New Iberia, Doris Soileau of Lafayette, and Debra Romero and husband Barry of New Iberia; one son, D.M. “Dan” Soileau and wife Theresa of New Iberia; seven grandchildren, Troy Barras and wife Julie, Misty David Illes and husband Matt, Ambere David, Tracey LeMaire and husband Charles, Dane Soileau, Merrick Romero and wife Christy, and Simone Romero Strong and husband Charlie; ten great grandchildren; and five great great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, D.M. Soileau, Sr.; parents, Grover Cleveland and Simonese Bazar Hilliard; sister, Bessie Satterley; brother, Clifford Hilliard; son-in-law, Eddie Barras, Jr.; grandson, Tommy Barras; and great granddaughter, Cacie Barras.

Pallbearers will be Barry Romero, Troy Barras, Dane Soileau, Merrick Romero, Branson Barras, Darien Barras, Cullen Russo, Charles LeMaire, and Charlie Strong.

Honorary pallbearers will be Shane Delahoussaye and Matt Illes.

To view on-line obituary, and sign the guest register, please visit www.evangelinefuneralhome.com.

Evangeline Funeral Homes, Inc. of New Iberia is in charge of arrangements.