The Legacy of the Matriarch

L ovey O phelia A rbuthnot D eJean

Lovey Ophelia Aruthnot DeJean was born in Centreville, MS to the late James Posey Arbutnot, Sr. and Sarah Dennis Arbuthnot on April 25, 1933.  She was a longtime resident of Lake Charles, LA. Lovey earned her Angel wings on December 19, 2017 at the age of 84. She made her heavenly transition at her home surrounded by her family and loved ones.

Lovey was educated at Finch Elementary/High School in the Wilkerson County in Centreville, MS. She was also educated in the Calcasieu Parish School System when she moved to Lake Charles,LA.

She worked as a cook for Picadilly Cafeteria and the Calcasieu Parish School Board before becoming a full-time homemaker.

Lovey began her Christian journey when she accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Lord and Savior at a very young age. She joined Beaulahland COGIC under the Christian leadership of the late Superintendent James Cason where she served the Lord until she moved to Lake Charles, LA.  She then joined Saints Memorial Church of God In Christ where she made her Christian journey under the biblical guidance of the late Rev. J. J. Davis, the late Rev. Ivanhoe Terry, and Rev. Michael Cuba, Jr. As an active member of the Mother Board she was fondly known as Mother DeJean. She regularly attended Deaconess Meetings and Mid-week Services. Mother DeJean was a faithful member until her health challenges prevented regular attendance.  She loved her church, and her pastor, but most importantly she truly loved the Lord.

Lovey met and was eventually united in holy matrimony to her loving husband Hammond, on July 23, 1951. He always affectionately referred to her as "Scrubby" until the end. Lovey and Hammond made many sweet memories together over the course of nearly 63 years of matrimony. Some of their fondest memories came from their decision to obey God's word and fruitfully multiply, bringing forth from their union 12 children which they loved unconditionally.

Lovey was a loving and faithful wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great- great grandmother, and aunt. She was also an "adopted" mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and aunt to a host of family and friends. She was fondly referred to and will always be remembered as Scrubby, Momma, MawMaw, Big MawMaw, Big-Big MawMaw, and Aunt Dimple.

Those she leaves behind to continue her legacy, celebration of life, and to cherish her memories are five sons; Dan Alec (Norma) Arbuthnot,Sr., Hammond Brooks De Jean, Jr., Hilbert George DeJean, Haywood James (Kathy) DeJean, Sr., and Harvey Darnell DeJean, all of Lake Charles, six daughters; Jacqueline Ophelia De Jean (LC) Dugas, Josephine Marie DeJean Harris, Jenifer Melvin DeJean Jackson, Lovey Joyce DeJean (John) Guillory, Yolanda Juanette DeJean Duhon, Joan Desiree DeJean (Larry) Rogers, 45 grandchildren, 69 great grandchildren, five great- great grandchildren, one "adopted son" Perry Granger, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Along with two granddogs and three great grand dogs.

She was proceeded in death by her loving husband Hammond Brooks DeJean, Sr., her parents James Posey and Sarah Dennis Arbuthnot, one daughter Lizzie DeJean Land of Cleveland, OH, one grandson Christopher Rogers, two great granddaughters Davisha Arbuthnot and Harlem Rogers, her sisters Laura Arbuthnot Williams, Nettie Arbuthot Oliver, Mildred Arbuthnot Jackson, Erma Arbuthnot Smith and her brothers Dan Alec Arbuthnot, James Posey Arbuthnot, Jr., Edward Ross.