It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing from this life of Shirley Dean Ardoin Guidry, beloved wife, mother, aunt, sister, grandmother and friend. Shirley was born to Henry Ardoin and Lena Mae Guillott Ardoin on June 14, 1940 and passed from this life on Sunday, June 7, 2026. She would have been 86 this year on the 14th of June, and that date has now been chosen as the date of her memorial service. Her family and friends will gather and celebrate her birthday and her life very-well-lived on that special day.
Shirley was a very talented seamstress and quilter, always piecing things together with the hopes of creating something beautiful. It is in this same way that she created a loving family and beautiful life for her husband, children, and grandchildren alike. She herself was the stitch that (planned and) held together everything for her family. And what a beautiful masterpiece she created; what a wonderful legacy she leaves.
Shirley spent a lifetime making a warm and loving home for her family and friends to enjoy. She and her husband, Jimmy, helped raise her younger siblings and also Jimmy’s younger siblings. Many, many weekends were spent near beaches and waterways, crawfish pots, and campgrounds … with Shirley and Jimmy’s three children, Shirley and Jimmy’s young siblings, and other family members and special friends.
Shirley was also passionate about helping her family and others. She cooked for her children, grandchildren, siblings, nieces, nephews, and friends regularly and taught them so many life skills along the way. Her heart, home, and table were always open. Her advice and genuine concern were always there for the taking. To the very end of her life, Shirley was still giving and teaching. Several nurses reported to her family members that Shirley had taught them to sew in the nursing home.
Shirley is survived by her three children: Jamie Guidry Crain and husband Jay; Jody Guidry and wife Kim; and Lesli Guidry Ericson and husband Doug. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Justin Crain; Annie Guidry Brentlinger (Geoff); Kallie Guidry Parria (Gavin); Bailey Caples (Victor Salazar); Dayton Ericson (Emily); Arean Ericson; her great-grandchildren; Olivia Edan Crain, Chloe LeBoeuf, and Rowen Parria; her beloved baby sister, Bonnie Faye Simon; and her beloved sisters-in-law: Jo Helen Thibodeaux and Deanie O’Quain.
Shirley was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, James Richard “Jimmy” Guidry; siblings Gerline Ann Ardoin Sullivan, Mary Lynette Miller, Kenneth Wayne “Butch” Ardoin, her parents Henry Ardoin and Lena Mae Guillott Ardoin, and her granddaughter Courtney Caples.
A memorial service will be held at Hixson Sulphur Memorial Funeral Home on Sunday, June 14, 2026, on what would have been Shirley’s 86th birthday. Visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. until the time of the service at 3:00 p.m. Reverend Frances "Boo" Kay will officiate. Shirley will be laid to rest next to Jimmy at Southwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery in Jennings.
Memories, words of comfort and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.hixsonsulphur.com.
