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Roslyn White has been the Mayor of Abbeville for 30 days. The Abbeville Meridional sent her five questions about her first 30 days in office.

Well, you have been the mayor of Abbeville for 30 days. Is it what you expected?

White: The first month has been great. It’s still really new and a bit surreal. It’s been mostly administrative, introductory meetings, and lots of paperwork. I’m really enjoying seeing “behind the curtain” and learning more about how our city works.

What has been the biggest surprise for you as mayor?

White: “The number of times I have to sign my name in a day! I have signed my name more times in the last 30 days than in 45 years. I’m also still getting used to the title, it takes a minute for it to register when people say it, but we are having some fun with that part.”

What has been the most challenging part about being mayor?

White: “The most challenging part so far has been having an inside view of how many people in our community are truly struggling. As an elected official, our hands are often tied on how we can help. You try to educate people on available resources and work opportunities, but the struggles stay with you.”

What is your biggest accomplishment thus far as mayor?

White: “With the help of Senator Bob Hensgens and Representative Ryan Bourriaque, we were able to secure state funding for overlaying some of our downtown streets and some improvements on Graceland Avenue. These projects will now move into the planning phase. We expect construction to start in 2023. This took a team effort initiated by Mayor Mark Piazza and our council and is long overdue. We will also begin transitioning our streetlights to LED, which will greatly improve the health of our electrical grid, something we have wanted to do for years. I’m just getting started, there is a lot of work to be done, but we will get there one project at a time.”

Have you made any changes to your new office?

White: “I’ve moved in but haven’t had time to make any big changes. I will definitely make some updates when time and budget allow. It’s very dark and could use some sprucing up. It’s a great view, and I’d like to lighten it up and add a woman’s touch. As I get more settled in, I’m hoping to spend more time out of the office and out in the community visiting with people and discussing the goals for our future.”

Julia Apple Couvillon, 93, passed away peacefully at her home in Cow Island, LA on Thursday, July 28th, 2022, surrounded by her family. Born in Esther, she relocated to Cow Island in 1951 when she married Andrew Couvillon. The two had eight children together.
Julia attended Mouton Cove Elementary, Perry Junior High and Abbeville High School. She earned both a Bachelors and Masters in Education from the University of Louisiana, and studied 30 additional hours to earn her PLUS 30.
Julia was an educator for 36.47 years. In addition to being the school librarian, she also taught several subjects including typing, bookkeeping, history and math. She was active in the community, volunteering with the St. Anne Ladies Altar Society, contributing to two History of Vermilion Parish books, and being a member of the Vermilion Parish Librarian Association.
Devoted wife of the late Andrew Couvillon. Loving mother of Sandy, Kay, Mike, John, Joseph, Ray, Jude and Jacques. Adored grandmother of Andrew, Amelia, Kelli, Christopher, April, Ashley, Andrea, Andre, Ross, Taylor, Nicolas, Jonathan, Matthew, Braxton, Brooke and Brylee. Great-grandmother of Madison, Reese, Lola, Charlie, Lucy, Grayson, Julia and Anthony. Caring sister of Zelda, Elva, Margaret, Vernon and Roseanne. Daughter of Joseph Aubrey Apple and Amanda Hebert Apple.
Relatives and friends of the family are invited to pay respects at Vincent Funeral Home in Abbeville on Tuesday, August 9th from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. with a rosary at 6:30 p.m., as well as on Wednesday, August 10th from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
A church service will be held at St. Anne’s Catholic church in Cow Island on Wednesday, August 10th at 11 a.m.

ERATH – A Mass of Christian Burial for Mrs. Alva Mae Hebert Carlin, 86, will be held at 11:00AM on Monday, August 08, 2022 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church with Fr. Clinton Sensat officiating. Interment will follow at Our Lady of Lourdes Mausoleum.
Visitation will be at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church on Monday, August 08, 2022 beginning at 9:00AM until 11:00AM with a recitation of the rosary at 10:00AM.
A native of Youngsville and a resident of Erath, Mrs. Alva Mae passed away at 11:10AM on Wednesday, August 03, 2022 at Maison Du Monde. She was a teacher at Dozier Elementary School for over 24 years and served as a member of the Catholic Daughters of America. She enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She is survived by one son, Kirk Carlin and his wife, Jackie of Abbeville; two daughters, Cheryl Simon and her husband Rusty of Abbeville, and Melissa Reed and her husband Preston of Minden; six grandchildren, Natalie Broussard, Adrian “Bubba” Carlin, Jr., Adam Carlin, Ashley Simon, Angela Simon and Amber Celestino.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Joseph E. Carlin; her parents Robley and Esta Mitchell Hebert; one sister, Dorothy Chauvin; and one granddaughter, Nicki Reed.
Serving as pallbearers will be Jack Hardin, Grant Hardin, Adrian “Bubba” Carlin, Jr., Ashley Simon, Austin Simon and Adrian K. Carlin, III.
You may sign the guest register book and express condolences online at www.davidfuneralhome.org
David Funeral Home of Erath at 209 E. Putnam Street (337) 937-0405 will be handling the arrangements.

Darleen Marie Place Boudreaux of Midland, Texas passed away Monday, August 1, 2022. She was born on October 5, 1945, to Reece Louis and Daisy Marie Place in Abbeville, Louisiana where she was raised and educated.
She married her high school sweetheart Alfred Boudreaux on her 18th birthday, October 5, 1963, and together they called Abbeville their home until 1973. Throughout their marriage they enjoyed traveling with the simplicity of just being together.
They raised 4 children – Reece Louis Boudreaux and wife Allison, Pamela Margaret Steward and husband Billy, Trisha Elizabeth Elliott and husband Mike, and Billy Jack Boudreaux, all of Midland, Texas. She loved her family immensely and always put them first including her 8 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild – William Steward and wife Amber, Parker Thompson, Isabella Boudreaux, Allison Steward, Harrison Boudreaux, Hanna Elliot, Charli Steward, Elle Cole and great grandson Noah Bradlee Steward. She is survived by her husband, children, grandchildren, great grandchild all of Midland, Texas, brother Reece Randall Place and wife Kelly of Maurice, Louisiana, sister-in-law Celeste Boudreaux and brother-in-law Guy Boudreaux both of Lafayette, Louisiana along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
In 1973, her husband was transferred to Midland where they permanently made their home. Darleen entered every room with a smile on her face and ready to conquer whatever the need may be. She was the first to volunteer at any school or sport function when there was a need. She kept an immaculate home where she made sure that everyone knew they were welcome at any time.
When she wasn’t entertaining or keeping house, you could usually find her at Midland Senior High School volunteering or sitting in the classroom with Billy Jack to assure he graduated high school on time. She loved to entertain in her spare time. She hosted all birthdays, holidays, graduations, baby showers, and wedding showers along with many oilfield company parties so effortlessly.
Whether it was sewing ribbons and snaps on ballet costumes or beading Pam’s entire wedding dress, she always managed to find a way to stay busy. She was an outstanding cook and cooking was her passion. Six nights a week she put a full course meal on the table at 6:30 sharp and we all knew to be seated no later than 6:29. Family was very important to her.
The more time she could be with her family, the happier she would be. The time she spent with her kids was always quality and cherished time in her eyes. Darleen was so much more than a housewife. It was tough raising 4 kids but she made it look so easy and would not have wanted it any other way. Giving back to the community was important to her.
You could typically find her at one of the schools or churches volunteering her time. My mom took pride in everything she did. You could always count her in for just about anything.
She is preceded in death by her father, Reece Louis Place, her mother Daisy Marie Place, brother-in-law Frank Louis Boudreaux, and sister-in-law Cheryl Boudreaux.
The family would like to extend special thanks to Misty, Betsy, and Sabina at Interim Hospice, Beverly Armstrong, Manor Park Vogel Center, Father Yesu, and Scott Bowman of St. Ann’s Catholic Church.
Memorial service will be held on Thursday, August 11, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Ann’s Catholic Church. Following the service, please join the family for a reception in the church parlor.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Ann’s Catholic Church, Interim Hospice, or Manor Park Vogel Center.
Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com