This is My Story

The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed; those who help others are helped
Proverbs 11:25 MSG

Our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend, Florence Jean LeBlanc
Fontenot, peacefully entered eternal rest on Saturday, August 3, 2024. Florence was born in Lake
Charles, Louisiana on November 9, 1946, to the late Edward and Odessa LeBlanc. She was the
baby girl of three precious gifts from God, arriving just a day after her Father's birthday.
On April 13, 1959, Florence married her high school sweetheart (a Panther and an Indian) and
Army Veteran, Anthony Joseph Fontenot.  They explored the world together before starting their
family welcoming three children into their lives:  Bridget Jean, Kimberly Ann, and Anthony
Joseph (Jr.).

From a young age, Florence was deeply rooted in her faith. She was baptized at an early age and
accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior.  As a lifelong member of Christian Baptist Church,
she flourished under the spiritual leadership of Dr. W. C. Clark and served with dedication under
previous pastors, including, Rev. Al G. Stevens, Rev. Abbie Monroe, Jr., and her current teacher
and pastor, Rev. Edward Alexander, Jr.  Throughout her youth, she participated in local
associations, state and national conventions, and worked diligently alongside her mother, Odessa,
in the nursery during vacation bible school. Later in life, her servant spirit continued for 45 years
as a Senior Usher, serving as financial secretary and supervisor of the Junior Usher Board. Most
recently, she participated in activities sponsored by CBC's Senior Sisters and Singles Ministries.
Florence pursued her education at First Ward Colored School, Second Ward Colored School, and
W. O. Boston High School from which she graduated with the class of 1964.  She dedicated her
career as a paraprofessional working with children, including those with special needs at
Fisherville Elementary, and later Reynaud Middle School. While at Reynaud, she served as the
cheerleader sponsor until her retirement.

In her early years, Florence was actively involved in the community, serving as band mom,
volunteering at school, and coach of the Carver Elementary Marching Band. She was a member
of the Emerald Social Club and the Sunday after Church Breakfast Club.  Her hobbies included
shopping, relaxing on her front porch while reading and studying her bible, having late night
telephone conversations with family (known as the "midnight caller "to Robert, Allen Jr., and
Ceola), traveling, and above all, cherishing quality time with her family. She was the biggest
cheerleader for her family attending every activity and event regardless of the weather all the
way to the day before her first stroke in August of 2023. She enjoyed spending time with her
sisters, always reminding the oldest (Georgianna) who was the "boss" and riding all over Lake
Charles (even getting lost) with the middle sister (Dorothy). They had a beautiful bond and were
blessed to live and raise their families on the same street. Florence also looked forward to
fellowshipping with the breakfast club (Dorothy, Frances, and Eva) on Sundays after church.
Let's not forget, she loved to talk; she never met a stranger.

Florence was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Anthony "AJ" Fontenot Sr.; parents,
Edward and Odessa Syas LeBlanc; brother, Terrell Leblanc; grandson, Darian Wayne Roberson;
grandparents, Crawford (Stella) Syas, Henry (Louisiana) Hebert, uncles Tommy Syas, Crawford
Syas, and Raymond Syas; father and mother-in law, Ralph (Corinne) Fontenot; brother and
sisters-in-law, Mazie Tate Stephen, Charles Ambrose, Lizzie Ambrose, Elray "T-Niney"
Fontenot and; bonus son, Rico St. Cyr.

Florence leaves to cherish her memories, her children, Bridget (Harold) Roberson, Kimberly
(Harold) Lartigue, Anthony (Shontae) Fontenot and adopted daughter, Sherri Carvin, bonus sons,
Eric St.Cyr and Brandon (Uncle Bub) Armalin; Her enduring love will carry on through her
grandchildren, Jermaine Fontenot (Brandy Johnson), Anthony "Tre" Fontenot, Jr., Alisha
Lartigue, NaDosha Fontenot, Kiani Roberson (Fiancé' Thomas Daigle), Justin Lartigue, Alijah
Green and Nahamani Edwards. Great-grandchildren, Markayla Fontenot, Alaya Fontenot, Ethan
Fontenot, Londynn Lartigue, Elijah Richmond, Eylana Fontenot, Emirey Fontenot, Nia
Mumford, Legend Fontenot, Drew Daigle, Kashton Lartigue, Harley Johnson, McKinley Simien,
Bentley Johnson, and soon to arrive, Dallas Daigle. Her siblings, Georgianna (Allen, Sr) Bilbo
and Dorothy Chavis (Joshua Senegal); godchildren, Allen Bilbo, Jr., and Melissa Brown; good
friend, Linda Guillory; and those near and dear to her heart, Nashonna Fontenot, Ceola Peters,
Frances Fontenot Charles, Tommy (Lorraine) Thomas, Burley (Eva) Thompson, Rickey (Stella)
Toussain, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.