Betty Jean Ford Dugas

Betty Jean Ford Dugas, age 85, passed away peacefully on February 13, 2019. She was born in San Augustine, Texas on January 18, 1934 to the late Olin Ford and Opal Sanders Ford. She is also preceded in death by her only son, Joseph E. Dugas, III.

Betty is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 68 years, Dr. Joseph “Sonny” E. Dugas, Jr.; and her grandchildren, Hilary Dugas, Olivia Borrello Dugas, and Isabelle Dugas. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Dolores D. Robicheaux and her children: Darlene R. Businelle (Wayne Businelle Sr.), Pauline R. Smith (Michael Smith), Jolene R. Curtis (Freddy Curtis), and Angie R. Hanagriff (David Hanagriff). As well as her brother-in-law Darrell Dugas, his fiancé Jeanie Pourceaux, and his children Angele Tover (Yannick Tover) and Darren Boggan.

Betty started her career as a switchboard operator at LSU to provide for her and her husband as well as to facilitate funds for his medical school education at LSU. They then moved to New Orleans where she continued to work as a switchboard operator for Traveler’s Insurance Company. When Dr. Dugas opened his medical practice she went on to manage that while he went to Law School at night. She was a talented and avid painter for most of her adult life; she loved and enjoyed growing roses as well as painting them, landscapes, and architecture. She was a member of The New Orleans Art Association for many years where she served as president of the organization from 1980-1981.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral services held in chapel at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. in New Orleans, LA on Tuesday, February 19, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. Interment will follow in All Saints Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made the New Orleans Art Association or the American Heart Association.

To view and sign the family guestbook, please visit lakelawnmetairie.com.