

Hallet Riley Celestin, 87, lovingly known as “Hal” passed away peacefully at 6:45pm on Thursday, September 25th, 2025. She was a resident of Gray, Louisiana and an active member of the Thibodaux East Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
She dedicated her life to Jehovah on April 27, 1970 in Laurel, Mississippi. After baptism, Hallet was ready to increase her service to Jehovah. After learning what Jehovah requires, Hallet realized she had a “big” task of studying the Bible with her five children. She quickly realized this responsibility was for parents to do. The full-time ministry for her started at home with her five children and she relied on Jehovah for his help to accomplish this task.
After her children became adults, Hallet served as a regular pioneer teaching others the truth from the Bible and she considered this privilege a true blessing from Jehovah. Another blessing for her that made her so happy was when John, her loving husband of 61 years, dedicated his life to Jehovah on July 9, 2016.
Hallet will be truly missed by all those who knew and loved her. She will be remembered for a life well-lived. Hallet is survived by her five children: Billijean M. Celestin, Shreda C. Goens (Damon), John L. Celestin Jr. (Charlotte), Kia C. Andrus, and Joel A. Celestin (Wanda), five grandchildren: Jasmine A. Celestin, Johnna L. Celestin, Jamin W. Andrus, Jackson L. Celestin, and Payge A. Celestin and two sisters: Annette Ruffin and Bonnie Jean Riley.
Hallet was preceded in death by her husband John L. Celestin Sr., her son-in law, Isaac Andrus Jr., father Sylvester Riley Sr., mother Julia Broglin Riley, aunt Zenobia Mitchell, brothers: Sylvester Jr., Richard, Clarence, Fred (Fes), Thomas, James, Raymond, Gerald (Coke), Fred (Freddie), sisters: Annie Bell Howard, Rosalie Williams, and Barbara Jean Johnson.
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