Rev. Donald "Don" Ray Sibley

Rev. Donald Ray Sibley, affectionately known as “Don”, was born to Louis E. Sibley, Jr. and Esther Smith Sibley in Alexandria, Louisiana. He departed this life, at the age of 74, on November 15, 2024. He fought a good fight, he finished his course, he kept the faith and is now with his Lord and Savior.

Don was the baby boy of the family and was proud to be a “Mama’s Boy”. Amongst his siblings, he was the jokester and kept everyone laughing. Don was a fearless and playful explorer, who always found something to get into. Thank God for a strong father who understood him and kept things in order.

Don was educated in the Rapides Parish School System. He served as a lifeguard at the Broadway Park swimming pool, was an avid swimmer and the most adventurous diver. He graduated from Peabody High School in 1967, where he was very active in the choir, served as Vice President and won Superior during State competitions. Don furthered his education at Grambling State University. He believed in higher education and never gave up on pursuing his degree. Don was excited to return to his studies. He graduated from Louisiana College, Pineville, LA in 2005 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Religion and a minor in Sociology.

Don briefly served in the United States Air Force, with an Honorable General Discharge in 1968. He returned to the Woodside community where he was born and raised. Don remained a pillar in the community and a beacon of light to so many who graced his patio for good advice and conversation.

Don accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Nazarene Baptist Church by his uncle, the late Rev. C.F. Smith, Sr. He was a true worshipper, who shared his gift so freely while in the choir. He also served as a Sunday School teacher, youth counselor, Deacon, Associate and Youth Minister. Don always had a special calling on his life. His passion for Christ could be heard through his melodious voice in praise and worship, while singing his favorite song, “I am Satisfied with Jesus”. He accepted the call to ministry and was ordained to preach in 1997 by his brother, the late Rev. John D. Aaron, Jr. He embraced an opportunity to lead the flock and was installed as Pastor of New Evergreen Baptist Church, Jena, LA in 2004. He supported and uplifted the community through many acts of kindness. He believed in peace, equality for all and worked tirelessly to foster unity. Rev. Donald Sibley preached annually with other renowned pastors in Revival at Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church, Pastor Louis E. Sibley, III, Milwaukee, WI. He continued to serve as Pastor of New Evergreen Baptist Church and supported the Jena community until his health began to fail in 2019.

Donald served in law enforcement for the Alexandria Police Department for 20 years, where he was a Police Officer, Detective and Chaplain. He retired from the police department and went on to serve in the Alexandria City Marshal’s office as a Deputy Marshal and Chaplain. While serving the Departments, he was a member of the State & International Conference of Police Chaplains, Critical Incident Stress Management Team for the State of Louisiana and the Magnolia Peace Officers’ Association. Don participated in civic engagement by serving on the YMCA Board of Directors and remained involved with many organizations within the Cenla community. He was initiated into Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. in 2005. He loved attending local gatherings with friends and fellow members of Cenla’s Best Social Club. Don was a much sought after soloist and singer, frequently performing at special events, weddings and sermonic selections for funerals. He never hesitated to step up and assist others when needed, especially since he looked forward to making an impact in the community that highly respected him!

Above all great accomplishments, Don’s most valued treasure was his family. He was united in holy matrimony with Ida Louise Anderson on July 19, 1969. Through all of life’s joys and challenges, they remained blissfully in love for over 55 years. With their birthdays being one day apart, they celebrated together every year. Don was a loving and devoted husband until he took his final breath. He dedicated his life to cherishing and supporting his wife and family. He often joked about wanting ten children! He ended up with three daughters, eight grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. Don was the ultimate “Girl-Dad”, who proudly protected and nurtured his girls. Everyone who knew him understood his stance regarding faith and family. He was always involved in his grandchildren’s endeavors and celebrated their accomplishments. He attended countless events, recitals, football games, theater performances, musicals and church activities. We wonder how he still found time for his favorite hobby, taking his boat out for a day of fishing with his buddies. Don sacrificed to ensure everyone felt included and fed. He cooked food that touched the soul! His nieces and nephews were loved like his own. Many have shared stories about the little things Don did that made a big difference in their lives! We all know, Don was structured and ran a tight ship. He was dependable, loyal, generous, strong willed, selfless and had a great sense of humor. His laughter could fill the room!

Donald is preceded in death by his parents: Louis E. Sibley, Jr. and Esther Smith Sibley; three brothers: Charles Aaron, Rev. John D. Aaron, Jr. and John Chris LaCour; sister, Pearl Aaron Huckaby and grandson, Brandon Sibley.

He leaves to cherish his memory: loving wife, Ida; daughters: Courtney Sibley Holden of Houston, TX, Dawn Sibley and Candace Sibley; grandchildren: Ashley Holden, Peyton Newton Simon (Ernest), Ty Holden, Makiah Zeigler, Tyler Cole Sibley, Kennedy Brown and Sydney LeGras; two great-grandchildren: Ava and Kylan; brother, Rev. Louis E. Sibley, III (Barbara) of Milwaukee, WI, sister, Patricia Sibley Davis (Jackie) and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.