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Katelyn Elaine Smith of Roberts Cove and Matthew Curtis Autrey of Cecilia were joyously united in holy matrimony on the evening of Friday, June 1.
Rev. Kevin Bordelon and Deacon Ulysse Joubert, godfather of the groom, officiated the 6:30 p.m. Nuptial Mass at St. Leo IV Catholic Church in Roberts Cove.
The bride is the daughter of Kent and Darlene Smith of Roberts Cove. She is the granddaughter of Herbert and Elaine Gossen of Roberts Cove, and of Loretta Smith Leonards of Crowley and the late Gene Smith.
Katelyn is a 2008 graduate of Notre Dame High School of Acadia Parish and a 2014 graduate of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in health promotion and wellness. She gained her certification as a wellness coach in 2016 and is currently employed at Sterling Wellness Solutions in Crowley.
The groom is the son of Mickey and Brenda Autrey of Cecilia. His maternal grandparents are the late John and Mary Jane Landry of Cecilia, and his paternal grandparents are Geraldine Autrey of Lafayette and the late Curtis Autrey.
Matthew graduated from Beau Chene High School in 2007 before attending the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in general studies in 2011. He is currently employed by the St. Landry Parish School Board as a teacher/coach at Opelousas High School.
Escorted to the altar by her father, the bride entered the church to the strains of “Trumpet Voluntary.” She was gorgeous in an off-white Pronovias of Barcelona gown. The sleeveless gown featured a bateau neckline, an illusion front bodice enhanced with lace and a plunging back. Self-fabric buttons were noted at the zipper, which led to a chapel length train with scalloped edging, and a hand-beaded rhinestone belt defined the dress at its natural waistline.
The bride paired her gown with a matching chapel length veil of sheer illusion edged with satin and lace appliques.
Katelyn carried a bouquet of white and light blue hydrangeas, white stock and silver dollar eucalyptus tied with a white satin ribbon.
In keeping with tradition, the bride carried the gold wedding band of her late paternal grandfather in her bouquet as “something old” and wore pearl earrings given to her as a gift by the groom’s parents as “something new.” “Something borrowed” was a broach that had belonged to the bride’s late maternal great-grandmother, Marie Frey Leonards, that the bride wore clipped in her hair, and a blue rosary entwined in her bouquet, previously entwined in her mother’s bouquet when her parents were wed 33 years ago, was “something blue.” Additionally, a six pence given to the bride by her friend Kadie Lee Castro was placed in the bride’s shoe for love, prosperity and good luck.
With the wedding party processing to “Canon in D,” Kara Comeaux Fontenot, cousin of the bride, served as matron of honor. Serving as bridesmaids were Ellyn Boone Lalande, Madelyn Elaine Boone and Anne Francis Faulk, cousins of the bride, and Kristy Autrey Faulk, sister of the groom.
The bridal attendants were clad in full length Nouvelle Ansale dresses in blue steel with varying bodices of their choosing.
They carried hand-tied bouquets of white hydrangeas, white stock and silver dollar eucalyptus.
The duties of best man were fulfilled by Evan Michael Ruiz, friend of the groom. Standing as groomsmen were Sean Matthew Osborne, friend of the groom; Jason Lee Faulk, brother-in-law of the groom; John Michael Autrey, brother of the groom; and Jacob Allen Smith, brother of the bride.
Guests were ushered to their seats by Herbert Joseph Gossen Jr., godfather of the bride.
Musical selections for the ceremony were provided by organist Alberta Lyons, violinist and vocalist Hunter Lambert and vocalist Karen Melancon.
Prelude music included “Maria zu lieben,” “On this Day O Beautiful Mother,” “Hail Mary, Gentle Woman” and Parkinson’s “Ave Maria.”
The parents and grandparents of the bride and groom were seated to “Always be a Child.”
For her daughter’s wedding day, the mother of the bride, the former Darlene Gossen, selected a full length midnight blue gown featuring left-side ruching, chiffon layers at the hem and three quarter length sleeves. The round neckline and sleeves were elegantly embellished with rhinestones and crystals.
The mother of the groom, the former Brenda Landry, chose a sleeveless navy blue tea length dress with a crew neckline and sequin-embellished bodice. A sequin-embellished jacket featuring a single crystal button closure and three-quarter length sleeves completed her attire.
Both mothers wore wristlet corsages of ivory garden roses and miniature white carnations accented with dusty miller.
Selected scriptures were read by Kim Smith Cormier, godmother of the bride, who delivered the First Reading; Carlee Claire Faulk, godchild of the groom, who delivered the Responsorial Psalm; and Kadie Castro, friend of the bride, who delivered the Second Reading.
Following the wedding, guests joined the newlywed couple for a reception held at The Warehouse Event Center in Rayne.
The venue was beautifully decorated in a Southern romance theme featuring cotton throughout the historic space. A formal portrait of the bride was displayed on a wrought iron easel on the piano.
The bride’s three-tiered cake, topped with fresh flowers, included fillings of amaretto, cookies and cream, raspberry cream cheese and butter pecan and was iced with white buttercream. The bottom tier was decorated in a knife-edge style, while the middle tier was adorned with fleurs-de-lis and the top tier featured a quilted pattern enhanced with pearls. The confection was served by Kim Cormier, godmother of the bride.
The groom’s cake, carrot cake with cream cheese frosting, was made in the shape of the state of Louisiana and edged with butter toffee ganache and chopped pecans around its base. It was topped with an Acadian flag and surrounded by chocolate-covered strawberries.
Guests at the wedding traveled from Arkansas and Texas, as well as various points throughout Louisiana.
On the evening prior to the wedding, the parents of the groom hosted a rehearsal dinner at Fezzo’s in Scott. Guests at the 7 p.m. event enjoyed chicken pasta, seafood and steaks.
Following a wedding trip to Montego Bay, Jamaica, the couple will reside in Scott.
A large number of family and friends gathered on Saturday, March 31, for a traditional bridal shower held in honor of Toy Celestine of Lafayette.
Formerly a Carmouche, Toy is the bride of Johnell Celestine, and the couple was wed yesterday.
The 1 p.m. shower was held at Esprit de Coeur in Lafayette and was hosted by bridesmaids Jeremekia Amos, Danielle Cottonham, Crystal Carmouche Lee, Brittany Harrell, Ashlee Johnson, Ravyn Joseph, Nia Murray, Miranda Sam, Sierra Sapp, Shari Trahan, Jamaica Whitney and Chantel Williams.
The theme for the event was “Pastels and Pearls.”
The guest tables were topped with glass jars wrapped in decorative burlap and lace, some filled with pink and ivory roses interspersed with baby’s breath and others overflowing with pearls. There was also a large floral initial C to mark the bride’s new last name as Celestine, along with the letters of her first name created out of pink and white pearls accompanied by a decorative “Mrs.” sign.
The approximately 50 guests in attendance enjoyed a buffet-style spread of meatballs and sausages, fried drumettes, spinach dip, crawfish Florentine, meat pies and pinwheel sandwiches.
Guests also enjoyed a traditional shower cake that featured two tiers decorated in pastel yellow, blue, pink and green. The bottom tier was covered in confection roses and the top tier was graced with edible rhinestones. The confection was accented with silk flowers and topped with two intertwined silver hearts studded with rhinestones.
A highlight of the shower was a sweets table with all manner of desserts, including cupcakes iced in the same colors as the cake, strawberries covered in pastel chocolates, popcorn balls, pastel pink candy apples, pastel cake pops, pastel Rice Krispies treats and pretzels dipped in pastel chocolates.
Another highlight was a surprise visit from the groom, who came bearing a bouquet of roses in pastel colors and a pearl necklace and bracelet for the bride.
Guests played a large variety of games, with winners receiving nice door prizes.
Honored as a special guest was the bride’s grandmother, Beatrice B. Cain.
Out-of-town attendees traveled from Alabama, Texas and various points throughout Louisiana, including Lake Charles, New Orleans and Slidell.
Toy is the daughter of Myrtle R. Cain of Crowley and the late Joseph Alton Carmouche. Her grandparents are Beatrice Bashay Cain and the late Moses Cain Jr. and the late Theresa and Alton Carmouche.
Johnell is the son of John Celestine of Opelousas and the late Rosella Celestine. His grandparents are the late Albert and Selena Johnson and the late Latyon and Lovenia Celestine.
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In conjunction with Diocese of Lafayette celebrating its Centennial, the Assumption Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Mire is celebrating its 64th anniversary as a parish.
Farm houses and the Mire School were the settings for the earliest masses. The church was established as a mission of St. Joseph Parish of Rayne in 1922. The original St. Joseph Church building was dismantled and moved to the newly purchased property in Mire that was to become the future Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church Parish.
The mission of Assumption later became a mission of Coulee Croche (Cankton) and, finally, a mission of St. Theresa, Duson in 1929.
On June 22, 1954, Assumption was made a church parish and Rev. Edgar Bissonnett was named pastor. On August 10, 1958, the first mass was celebrated in the new church.
In celebrating its past, there will be a Holy Hour adoration 6-7 p.m. in the church on Friday, June 22.
On Saturday, June 23, a 4 p.m. Mass will be celebrated, followed by a reception in the Family Life Center. Everyone is invited to attend.
Anyone having pictures that pertain to the church and would like to add to a special video, please contact Sandra at the church office at 337-873-6574.
RAYNE - Members of American Legion Post No. 77 and its Ladies Auxiliary held 2018 Memorial Day ceremonies Sunday morning, May 27, for those Americans who died in service to America.
Master of ceremonies was Chairman Ray Olinger.
A single bell tone was sounded by Commander David Simon as Robert Comeaux, post chaplain, recited the names of each Legion member who passed away during the past year.
Those remembered were Horace Foreman, Edward Boudreaux, Charles C.J. Melancon, Leroy Joseph Breaux, Elton Adam Bourque and John S. Arceneaux.
Auxiliary Chaplain Louise Thibodeaux remembered long-time Auxiliary member Julia Guthrie as the lone Auxiliary member who had passed on during the past year.
The program speaker was Post 77 Legionnaire and retired Command Sgt. Major John Quebodeaux, a 26-year Army veteran who served two tours during the Vietnam War with the 101st Airborne Division.
Quebodeaux spoke of the “legacy” set forth by the fallen of past wars, “Leaving us to honor their legacy,” Quebodeaux stated.
He continued, “Regardless of the place or the war fought, the purity of their sacrifice is without question -- young men and women lost their lives in order to make the freedom of others possible.”
Quebodeaux spoke of the more than one million U.S. heroes who had their lives cut short while fighting in wars since the American Revolution.
Also noted were the pictures of 32 Rayne soldiers mounted on the walls of the Legion Home, all of whom gave the ultimate sacrifice defending freedom around the world.
He began his presentation when he spoke of a 21-year-old pilot of World War I, 2nd Lt. Frank Luke, who claimed a remakable 18 aerial victories over German pilots before loosing his life in 1918 in France.
Quebodeaux also told of a brave Sharon Lane, a 1st Lieutenant who volunteered as a dedicated member of the U.S. Army Nurse Corps. She lost her life in 1969 while attending to the sick and wounded in South Vietnam, the only female nurse killed by enemy fire during the Vietnam War.
The final heroes he spoke of were the four Marines recently loosing their lives during a training exercise in southern California.
The four young men lost on April 3 of 2018 as they were preparing to defend freedom halfway around the world were Lance Corporal Taylor Conrad of Baton Rouge, Gunnery Sgt. Richard Holley who had already completed two tours in Iraq; Capt. Samuel Schultz who had previously deployed with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit; and fellow pilot 1st Lt. Samuel Phillips who had just joined the Marine Corps in August of 2013.
“Not all heroes die becaase of enemy gunfire,” continued Quebodeaux. “Military service sometimes requires dangerous risk, even when its members are far from a combat zone.
“The heroes we remember today are not exclusive to any gender, race or religion. They are a diverse group wedded to the common principal that America is a nation worth dying for.”
Auxiliary President Bonnie Simon mentioned Rayne’s remaining Gold Star Mother, Hilda Broussard, and introduced Gold Star Sisters, Roberta Mire and herself, who were in the audience.
Placing the traditional wreath of red poppies on a plain white cross topped by a soldier’s helmet were Junior Auxiliary member Justyce Williams and Jr. Sons of the Legion Corbin Simon. The wreath was placed in honor of all who gave the ultimate sacrifice in time of war in defense of freedom around the world.
Robert Comeaux, Legion chaplain, offered the invocation, and Lorraine Shelton Gaines, Legion financial officer, led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Closing the Memorial Day Program was the playing of “Taps” were sounded by Bobby Frazier II of Post 15 in Crowley and Sons of the Legion.
Refreshments were provided by the local chapter of the Woodmen of the World organization.
MIRE - A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Monday, June 4, 2018, at 11 a.m. at The Assumption Catholic Church in Mire for Roy Joseph Melancon, 85, who passed away on Friday, June 1, 2018 at 9:58 a.m. at the Southwest Louisiana War Veterans Home in Jennings.
Fr. Michael Arnaud, Pastor of the Assumption Catholic Church, officiated the services. Burial was in the Assumption Catholic Church Mausoleum in Mire.
The family requested visitation held on Sunday, June 3, at 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. in the Duhon Funeral Home Chapel in Rayne. A Rosary was recited later that evening at 6:45 p.m. in the Funeral Home Chapel in Rayne. Visitation resumed on Monday, June 4, at 8 a.m. until time of services.
Survivors include his wife for 62 years, Elina Marie Matte Melancon of Mire; two daughters, Phyllis and husband Gene Daigle of Mire and Nona Lyons of Breaux Bridge; one son, Kurt and wife Carleen Melancon of Mire; two brothers, Mitt and wife Beautrice Melancon of Crowley and Overton Melancon of Church Point; four sisters, Margie Duplechin of Ragley, Fannie Miguize of Alexandria, Nora Miller of Lafayette and Eva Duplechin of DeRidder; six grandchildren, Jared Daigle, Haley Hernandez, Derek Melancon, Tyler Melancon, Austin Melancon and Amanda Rawlins; and 12 great-grandchildren.
Mr. Melancon was preceded in death by one granddaughter, Toyna Grossie; his parents, Ovey and Emma T. Melancon; and two sisters, Emma Higginbotham and Ruby Thibodeaux.
Visitors may view the obituary, sign the guest registry and express condolences to Mr. Melancon’s family online at www.duhonfuneralhome.com.
Duhon Funeral Home-Rayne, (337) 334-3600, 900 East Texas Ave., Rayne, LA 70578 was in charge of all funeral arrangements.
A Mass of Christian Burial for James Billy Towry, age 81, of Rayne will be celebrated on Monday, June 4, 2018 at 3:00 PM in St. Joseph Catholic Church, Rayne. Father Christopher Cambre, Associate Pastor of St. Joseph Catholic Church, will serve as celebrant. Entombment will follow in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery No. 2 Mausoleum, Rayne.
Visitation will be held on Monday, June 4, 2018 from 9:00 AM until 2:30 PM in Gossen Funeral Home, Rayne, with a rosary being recited at 11:00 AM.
Mr. Towry passed away on Saturday, June 2, 2018 at Acadia General Hospital.
A native of Marianna, Arkansas, Billy was a longtime resident of Rayne. A U.S. Army veteran, he participated in Operation Red Wing, during which he witnessed atomic bomb testing while based on the Pacific island of Eniwetok in the Bikini Atoll. Mr. Towry was a longtime member of American Legion Post 77.
Mr. Towry was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. He retired as a surveyor with Columbia Gulf Transmission after forty years of service.
A loving husband, father, and grandfather, Billy enjoyed time spent gardening and cooking for loved ones, but his greatest joy in life was being with and caring for his family.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Joyce Bergeron Towry of Rayne; son, James Brandon Towry and wife, Mary of Milton; daughters, Sharon Ann Towry of Baton Rouge, and Jan Tana Volland and husband, George of Baton Rouge; nephew, Bryan Towry of Pascagoula, MS; and grandchildren, Travis Benton Towry, Nina Ann Towry, Julia Marie Towry, Jon-Austin Volland, Brodie James Volland, and Blake Ann Volland.
Preceding Mr. Towry in death were his parents, Rufus Oscar Towry and Eular Smith Towry; infant grandson, Austin Lee Volland; sister, Louise Towry Helton; and brothers, Max Ray Towry, Rufus Brodie Towry, and Richard Wayne Towry.
Serving as pallbearers are Mr. Towry's six grandchildren.
The family wishes to express their gratitude to the staff of Louisiana Hospice, Kelly Breaux, and Joan Doucet, and to Dr. Neal Duhon and Dr. Danielle Duhon for the compassionate care given to Mr. Towry. They also wish to thank Deborah Sonnier, who helped care for Mr. Towry at his home.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.gossenfuneralhome.net.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Gossen Funeral Home, Inc. of Rayne, LA, (337) 334-3141.
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Crowley Post-Signal
602 N. Parkerson Ave, Crowley, LA 70526
Phone: 337-783-3450
Fax: 337-788-0949
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Phone: 337-334-3186
Fax: 337-334-8474
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Phone: 337-457-3061