On Tuesday, November 17, 2020, Lorene Toussand, age 86, affectionately known among family and close friends as "Coat", and the beloved wife of Frank Toussand, who preceded her in death to prepare a place for her, was called to join our Lord and Savior. Lorene was born on Saturday, August 18, 1934 to the proud parents Ira and Johnnie Essie Hampton in Athens, La.  Lorene was the eleventh (11 ^th ) of seventeen children.  She attended elementary school and high school in Athens, La.

As a young adult Lorene left her parents' home and moved to Lake Charles, La., where she married and raised a family of six children and her granddaughter. Lorene was tragically widowed as a young woman and was left to support her children on her own. Lorene never remarried but, her strong beliefs and faith in the Lord, allowed her to persevere and see her children grow up to be productive members of society.  Lorene's faith was nurtured by her parents at an early age while growing up and attending church with her parents and siblings every Sunday in Athens, La. and she raised her children the same way.  Lorene was a member of New Sunlight Baptist Church for many years, but later found a church family at Refuge Temple.  She attended church every Sunday until she became ill.

Lorene was a firm believer in education. She encouraged all young people, especially women, to get as much education as possible so that they would have the ability to be independent and self-sufficient.

Lorene loved being a mother and homemaker for many years. She was a very devoted mother to her children and always supported their endeavors (dreams) and encouraged them to reach higher and achieve their goals.  As a homemaker, Lorene was quick to volunteer at her children's schools and she also volunteered at extracurricular activities that her children participated in, whenever parent participation and support was needed.

As much as Lorene loved being a mother, she also loved being a grandmother, great-grandmother and recently a great-great grandmother.  Her home was a warm gathering place for many family holidays and many unforgettable memories were made with her as the matriarch of the family.

Lorene is survived by her loving daughters, Betty Washington, Delores Walker, and Shirley Thornton Diggs (Edward); and sons, Llewellyn Toussand, Frank Toussand, Jr. (Mei) and Eric Toussant (LaTonya). Lorene is also survived by her adoring grandchildren, Christalle Ford, Donald Bilbo Jr., Simone Green-Davis, Dullus Land, Feneisha Thornton, Jamila Diggs Bowen, Victoria Diggs, Edward Diggs II, Brittney Toussand, Courtney James, Lauren Toussant, Brittani England, Kaneisha Taylor, Shaniqua Taylor, Xenobia Benjamin; and  great-grandchildren, Aubree Ford, Jordan, Ford, Tatti Bilbo, Leah Bilbo, Donald Bilbo III, Troy Davis, Jr., Seven Davis, Charles Bowen, Ellis Bowen, Brauna Carter, Bradon Carter, Trey Carter, Kyson James, Kyler James, Jalen James, Zariah Oliver, Bentley Poledore and two great-great grandchildren.

Lorene is also survived by her two sisters, Lois Hunter and Irma Barnes and one brother, Willie Hampton.

Preceding Lorene to glory was her husband Frank Toussand, both her parents Ira and Johnnie Essie Hampton and thirteen of her siblings and her granddaughter Crystal Ann Carter.

Lorene was a wonderful and loving Mother and a blessing to her family and friends. Her children miss her and love her dearly and  she leaves a hole in the heart of her family, which can only be filled by uniting with her again in heaven.