Carol Jean (Buckley) Dejean, 64, of Lake Charles, La., went to be with her Lord and Savior, with her husband by her side, on April 3, 2017.

Carol (Carrie) was born Oct. 16, 1952, to John and Annie Buckley in Oakvale, Miss. She graduated from W.O. Boston High School in 1970. Carrie was employed at West Cal Cam Hospital for 13 years as a ward clerk. She was the first African American woman to hold that position at the hospital.

She leaves to cherish her memory, her husband of 38 years, Willie Dejean Jr.; four children, Dwayne (Laquinta) Buckley, Willie (Genita) Dejean III, Keelan (Natasha) Dejean and Martin Haywood; three sisters, Shirley (Rufus) Goodwin, Lisa Harrison, Sarah Buckley Lewis (Alfred); one brother, Johnny (Hattie Ruth) Buckley; 11 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; three godchildren; and a host of other friends and family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Annie Buckley; and two brothers, Raliegh Bourne and Shannon Buckley.