Elsie T. Hebert

April 24, 1936 – October 25, 2025

Age 89 • Born in Leonville, Louisiana • Raised in Arnaudville, Louisiana

Elsie Taylor Hebert, affectionately known as “Gram,” passed away peacefully on October 25, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was 89 years old. Born in Leonville and raised in Arnaudville, Louisiana, she carried the warmth, humor, and faith of her Cajun roots throughout her life.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 70 years, Jesse Joseph Hebert Sr; parents Gervais Taylor Sr. and Eugenie Stelly Taylor; sisters Louise Latiolais and Shirley Cormier; brothers Gervais Taylor Jr. and Avie Taylor; and foster brother V. J. Brock.

She is survived by her devoted children Jackie Hayes (husband Bob), Peggy Howard, Billie Froggatt (husband Mark), and Jesse Jospeh “Sonny” Hebert Jr.

Cherished grandchildren Lindsay Froggatt, Robert Taylor Hebert (wife Jodi), Danielle Lexima (husband Sean), and Joseph “Joe E” Howard (wife Kate).

Adored great-grandchildren Rory Hayes Hebert, Maverick Hayes Hebert, and ZyAir Lexima, Kaden Scarborough and Korbin Barlow.

She is also survived by brothers Jesse Taylor and Leland Taylor (wife Linda) and many nieces, nephews, and friends who will forever hold her in their hearts.

For more than 50 years, Elsie worked at the barber shop inside George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), a business specializing in men’s hairstyles that became a cornerstone of the airport community. Through her dedication, skill, and kindness, she eventually became the owner and operator of the shop—serving travelers, pilots, and airline crew members from around the world with the same precision and pride she brought to every part of her life.

Later, she expanded her legacy as the owner of the Airport Shoe Shine Parlor, where she and her team built a reputation for excellence that became part of Houston’s history.

Her work and leadership were recognized over the decades. In 1986, she appeared on the front page of IAH-HOU People—the airport newspaper—in a feature titled “Business Moving at a Good Clip for Owner.” A later magazine profile, “Shoe Shine, Airport Style,” celebrated her business as “Houston’s Hottest Shoeshine.”

In 2014, Lyle Lovett wrote “The Pursuit of the Perfect Shine” for Esquire Magazine’s Big Black Book, photographing and praising the IAH shoeshine tradition that Elsie helped establish—calling it one of the finest examples of craftsmanship and care in Houston. Her chairs and her spirit became part of that living legacy.

Elsie’s greatest pride, however, was her family. She cared for her husband through six challenging years of illness, always with grace and patience. She was the rock of her family—steadfast, generous, and always ready to lend a hand. She loved traveling, gardening, and making her famous fig jam every spring. Her home was filled with laughter, good food, and unconditional love.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the MD Anderson Palliative Care Unit for their compassion during Elsie’s final days.

Her life was a reflection of faith, hard work, and love—and her legacy continues in the countless lives she touched.

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Proverbs 31:25–28

“She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.

She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.

Her children arise and call her blessed.”