Carolyn Wallis Roy

Surrounded by family, Carolyn Wallis Roy passed away peacefully on January 16 at the age of 91 at Serenity Senior Residences in Metairie. Carolyn was born in New Orleans on October 21, 1934, to the late Thelma Sanchez Wallis & Bailey James Wallis Sr. Carolyn is preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Burnett James Roy (BJ), and her three siblings, Joseph Wallis, Billy Wallis, and Rosary Zenzer.

Renowned for her extraordinary compassion, radiant presence, and selfless dedication to all living beings. She embodied the power of love, kindness, and generosity while touching the lives of countless individuals throughout her lifetime. She was truly God’s angel on earth.

She graduated from the Hotel Dieu School of Nursing in 1956 and worked as a Registered Nurse for many years at Hotel Dieu Hospital. In addition to her nursing career, she was also very active in real estate, buying, renovating, and selling many properties around the greater New Orleans area and beyond.

Dating back to the 1960’s, Carolyn and BJ both enjoyed spending time fishing, catching, and boiling crabs, and enjoying quality family time at their camps in Grand Isle. In the early 1990’s, they purchased, renovated, and operated the Cajun Holiday Hotel on the island for several years.

After relocating from Old Jefferson to Folsom in 1995, Carolyn and BJ enjoyed “country life”. Carolyn especially enjoyed tending to her many animals, picking berries, and working in the garden with her faithful German Shepherd, Gretel, by her side.

A devout Catholic, she was a member of Saint John the Baptist Parish in Folsom, where she served as a dedicated member of the Altar Society and as an Eucharistic minister for many years.

She is survived by her four children, Karen Roy, Jimmy Roy, Michelle Corn (Mike), and Monica Sharp (Larry). Nine grandchildren: Jeremy Dobard, Brandon Dobard, Kacie Ayo (Ricky), Emma Sharp, Sophie Sharp, Jimmy Roy Jr., Madeleine Roy, Olivia Roy Pinero (Duncan), and Jacob Roy. Also survived by five great-grandchildren, EmmaLyn Dobard, Madison Dobard, Corbin Ayo, Teddy Ayo, and Charles Pinero.

She also held very close to her heart and loved dearly her nieces, Theresa Zenzer Gautreau (Milton) and Lizzy Zenzer, and nephews Marty Zenzer and Michael Zenzer (Melissa).

The family would like to thank the staff at Serenity Senior Residence for their compassionate care over the past year.

Funeral services will be held at St. Angela Merici Catholic Church, 835 Melody Dr, Metairie, LA, on Monday, January 26, 2026. Visitation with the family will be from 10:30 am - 12:30 pm, followed by the Funeral Mass at 12:30 pm. Interment will take place immediately following at St. Louis No. 3 Cemetery, 3421 Esplanade Ave, New Orleans, LA. Leitz-Eagan Funeral Home is arranging the services.

Remembrances can be posted at www.leitzeaganfuneralhome.com.