Laura Bell Ceasar Semien, 86, was born July 15, 1939, in Basile, Louisiana, to Joseph and Mary Ceasar. Her family later moved to Mossville, and she lived in Lake Charles until she was called to glory on April 24, 2026.

Laura was a loyal friend and steady source of encouragement, especially to the sick and shut in. Through visits, phone calls, and prayer, she made others feel seen, valued, and remembered.

She graduated from Mossville High School in 1957. After working various jobs, she met and married Lernest Semien and devoted herself to raising their children as a homemaker.

As a member of the Advanced Homemakers, Laura refined her cooking and sewing talents. She made clothing for her family and won numerous competitions for both her sweet confections and handmade garments.

Laura served her community as a Poll Commissioner and as a member of the NIC ACORN activist group, advocating for fair housing, equitable wages, and voter registration. She and her husband hosted meetings and supported activities benefiting the Black community in North Lake Charles.

A devoted member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Laura served as a Eucharistic Minister, a member of the KPC Ladies Auxiliary, Court 141, the Christian Mothers’, and the Legion of Mary. She later became one of the first female ushers. She volunteered wherever she saw a need.

In Fall 2022, Laura moved to The Gardens Assisted Living Facility and later to The Verandah Senior Living Community with her husband. She formed many friendships and remained compassionate to residents and staff; her presence will be deeply missed.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her sisters, Lillian Matthews and Delores Hall; and her brothers, McKinley, Norris, Nelson, Rodney, and Jimmy Ceasar.

She leaves to cherish her memory: four sons, Darrell Semien (Beaumont, TX), Gerald (Kelly) Semien (Birmingham, AL), David (Juliette) Semien (Zachary, LA), and Kevin (Tina) Semien (Killeen, TX); three daughters, Jennifer (Shaun) Walker (Katy, TX), Sharon Semien (Memphis, TN), and Melissa (Tracy) Vaughn (Lake Charles, LA); one brother, Curtis Ceasar; sisters-in-law, Judy Booker and Deborah Comeaux; brothers-in-law, Carl Semien and Kenneth Semien; 21 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

Mrs. Semien visitation will be held on Saturday May 2, 2026 at 8:00 A.M. in Combre Funeral Home Chapel with the funeral at 10:30 A.M. in Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church. Interment will be in Combre Memorial Park under the direction of Combre Funeral Home.