Marjorie Ann Granger “Margie” Habetz passed away peacefully from this life after an extended illness at the Golden Age of Welsh care facility in Welsh, Louisiana, on the morning of April 28, 2025, with her children by her side. Throughout her stay, and especially the week preceding her passing, she had entertained her children, sisters, Godchildren, nieces and nephews, in-laws, and friends.
Margie was born in Pine Island, Louisiana, on December 10, 1944, to Dedier and Eula Granger. She attended Welsh High School and was involved in many clubs and organizations. During her time in high school, Margie discovered the two great loves of her life: Patrick Habetz, a high school student in nearby Fenton, and music.
After graduation, Margie and Pat were married on April 11, 1964, and soon thereafter, moved to Ragley, Louisiana, and grew a family that included four boys and one girl. As Pat farmed, Margie raised the children. She made sure the family always had laughter, good food, a table set for dinner and supper, and nice clothes for church. Margie volunteered at school, and for several years, managed the production of the annual South Beauregard Purple and Gold Highlights Pageant, which honored students peer selected for achievements. She was also the Youth Group leader for several years for St. Pius X Catholic Church in Ragley where she mentored the youth in Christ.
Once the kids were well established in school, Margie began to feel the exciting pull of music. Balancing her role as a full-time mom and a singer-songwriter, Margie saw both her children and her music career flourish in the late 1970s. With a captivating style that blended country and Cajun music, “Little Cajun Margie” secured record deals with regional companies, Jin Records and NSD (Nationwide Sound Distributors), as well as a songwriting contract with Taylor Made Music (BMI). Her songs, “My Poor Children,” “Real Love,” “Homemade Fiddle and a Tambourine,” and “I Want to Live with You,” were popular on radio stations across South Louisiana. Margie was also an engaging live entertainer and co-host who performed regularly in local venues and on the televised Telethon broadcasts at KPLC to raise money for Muscular Dystrophy. During that time, Margie was a well-known member of the Nashville Country Music community. She enthusiastically performed at festivals, county fairs, and famous clubs such as Gilley’s, across the southern United States and at Country Music’s “Fan Fair” in 1979. She shared the stage with many popular Country Music stars of the day, including Jimmy C. Newman, Juice Newton, Marty Robbins, and Jerry Reed.
Margie never lost her love for music. She regularly performed for her family, friends, nursing homes, and churches throughout her entire life. No party was complete without Margie at the piano or microphone! During her time at Saint Theodore’s Church in the 1990s, many
of us remember the remarkable Christmas Story Musicals she directed while leading the church choir.
Margie was bigger than life, lighting up any room she entered. She brought a special joy and unique magic wherever she went, touching hearts and creating smiles and memories along her journey.
We recently learned that the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History included “Real Love,” one of Little Cajun Margie’s songs, in their collection of American music.
While Margie’s life took her many places, she never strayed from her love for the Lord. The Catholic Church remained a constant in her life. She was a lifelong learner of the church, a cheerful volunteer, a beautiful voice in the congregation, and a willing prayer partner. She and Pat raised their children with a love for the Lord, and all had a Christ-centered foundation.
Margie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Patrick in 2008, her parents, Dedier and Eula Granger, her brother, Joseph Charles (JC) Granger, her son, Gregory Paul, and her grandchildren, Andrew and Isabella. She is survived by her sisters, Gertrude Hardy and Laura Hardy, both of Iowa, Louisiana and Elaine (Carrol) Fuselier of Lafayette, Louisiana and her brother, Harold, of Bell City, Louisiana; her children Darren Keith of Round Rock, Texas, Jacqueline Renee (Thomas) Bevins of Dallas, Texas, Chad Conrad, of Houston, Texas, Stuart Kent (Michelle) of Moss Bluff, Louisiana, and daughter-in-law Sarah Romero (Mitch) of Lafayette, Louisiana. Margie was blessed with six wonderful grandchildren, Thomas, Brittany (Gabe) Pellerin, Lindsey (Jalen) Fernell, Patrick, Grace, Levi, and Claire, as well as three amazing great-grandchildren, Liam, Evie Grace, and Jack.
Margie loved flowers, but in lieu of flowers, Margie requests that you have masses said for her and for the family.
The Family will welcome the public for visitation at Hixson Funeral Home of Welsh Sunday, May 4, 2025 from 5pm until 9pm with a rosary at 7pm. Visitation will resume at Hixson Funeral Home of Welsh Monday, May 5, 2025 at 8am until 9:30am. A mass of Christian burial will be held at St Raphael Catholic Church at 10:00am with Reverend Anthony Fontenot officiating. Interment will follow at Lacassine Cemetery.
