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The last goodbye is always the hardest one.
For Wendy Stoute, that is saying farewell to a place that has meant so much to her.
Stoute, a longtime Vermilion Parish educator, will be retiring as principal at Erath Middle School.
“For me, this is a very bittersweet moment in my life,” Stoute said. “It is not easy leaving a career that I was called to do. I love working with kids, I love working with my teachers, and I love making a positive impact in the lives of our youth. It’s just what I do, and what I’ve always done.
“So, it is very hard to say goodbye to this job, but I am ready to move forward and see what my future holds.”
Stoute’s official last day will be on June 5. She’s certainly not coasting into the sunset.
“I have not slowed down enough to even think about that day,” But, my official last day is June 5th, 2020, so my retirement begins June 6th (it’s so close)!!”
Stoute is a native of Erath. She taught at EMS for 13 years. She made moves to J.H. Williams, Cecil Picard Elementary at Maurice and Eaton Park Elementary in various roles, before returning to Erath Middle as principal in 2015.
“I honestly know what people mean when they say ‘my life has come full circle’,” Stoute said. “Erath is my home. I grew up in Erath, raised my family here, I own a local business here, and I still live here. In fact, my very first teaching job in 1989 was at Erath Middle School (I walk by my first classroom every day). And, although I have taught in Erath for many years, it is not the only place in this parish that I have worked. I’ve had an amazing career, and once I became an administrator, my job brought me to different schools (J.H. Williams, Cecil Picard Elementary, Eaton Park Elementary) allowing me to work with so many amazing educators in our parish.
“These experiences and relationships along with staying true to my hometown roots have made me successful in my current position at Erath Middle School. Erath Middle School means so much to me, and so it is only fitting to end my career and the very place where it began.”
Stoute will always remember how that career began.
“When I leave on June 5,” Stoute said, “I will remember that back in 1989, someone at Erath Middle School took a chance on me (Ebrar Reaux, principal at the time) and couldn’t imagine retiring at any other school.”
As for memories collected during more than 30 years, those are too many to count.
“I have so many memorable experiences in my career that I cannot pick just one,” Stoute said. “Every school that I worked at was unique and has its own set of special memories. When you work in a field that is centered around children, every day brings about special moments and enough laughter to last a lifetime. Honestly, I’ve had an amazing career and I would not change one thing! I set out at the beginning of my career to “make a difference” in the lives of children. And all my decisions have been based on what was best for my students.
“It is because of this that I feel I am leaving with friendships and memories that will last a lifetime.”
There are going to be many challenges to face within a lifetime. Stoute has seen some of those in the years leading up to retirement.
“These past two years have been difficult,” Stoute said. “First, I lost my mother in March, and then this November, I lost the love of my life, Tom. After Tom’s passing, I knew I needed to take time to heal and really focus on myself.”
Along with personal challenges, there are challenges we all share. Few have been as tough as the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. One of those effects is the school year being cut short.
“I never saw this year ending the way it has. It all happened so fast,” I had seen the Coronavirus in the news but did not even foresee the huge impact it would make on the world. I never thought that March 13 would be the last time I’d see the hallways of my school filled with children. I didn’t know that would be the last day I’d hear the laughter at recess or walk through classrooms of eager students learning from my energetic, hardworking teachers. I will miss my students, faculty, and staff so very much.
“As I walk the hallways of an empty school building, my heart is broken knowing that March 13 was the last time I would ever interact with them. My favorite part of the day is the interaction with my students and teachers.”
Retirement is officially coming in few days. It’s still an odd thought for Stoute.
“Retiring is a word that I am going to have to get used to,” Stoute said. “I am truly someone who is constantly on the move, and I am going to have to learn to slow down. But I have a few things that I know that I am going to do. I am going to travel to places I’ve always wanted to go to and haven’t been. I am going to read books that have been on my ‘must read’ list for years. I will garden, learn new skills, play with my grandchildren, enjoy being around friends... I guess in short, I plan to stay busy!”
Stoute is preparing to say a difficult goodbye on June 5. However, it’s possible that it may not be her last goodbye to education, something that has meant so much to her.
“I am going to take this upcoming year to focus on myself and my family,” Stoute said. “I am going to do things that I have always wanted to do. But, education is more than a job to me, it is my life. So, I don’t think this retirement is the end of my career. I believe you all will be seeing me back in education in some form in the very near future.
“I cannot imagine not returning to this career; it’s my calling in life.”

September 28, 1927 ~ May 21, 2020

ABBEVILLE — It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Nola B. Meyers, age 92. On Mother’s Day, 2020, congestive heart failure reared its presence and she fought hard to the end. Nola entered into eternal rest on Thursday, May 21, 2020 at Abbeville General Hospital. She had most recently been a resident at Eastridge Senior Assisted Living Suites.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00 PM on Monday, May 25, 2020 at St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Catholic Church. She will be laid to rest at St. Paul Cemetery with Fr. Glenn Meaux officiating the services. Serving as pallbearers will be Brandon Meyers, Zachary Meyers, Damon Trahan, Koby Trahan, Kelly Rogers, and Matt Rogers. Gift bearers at her funeral mass will be Brittany Trahan, Kristin Gardiner, Ahndi Meyers, and Mary Rogers. Readers will be Erin Rogers Hebert and Lindsay Rogers Trahan.
“In Abbeville, It’s Nola’s” rang true for over 60 years of her career as a hairdresser and well-respected business woman. She was the owner of Nola’s Beauty Salon-Boutique and took care of the cosmetology needs of multiple generations. She also employed and mentored a number of hair stylists as they began and grew their careers.
Nola was a 1943 graduate of Abbeville High School and a graduate of Ronnie & Dorman’s Beauty School. She also reigned as Queen of the 1944 Fur Trappers Ball.
In addition to owning and operating her salon, Nola worked for some years as an instructor at Ronnie & Dorman’s, was a member of the Armstrong McCall Educational Team and completed certification with Gerda Spillman Skin Care. She was also involved in trainings and certifications with Farouk and BioSilk products and procedures. She stayed very active and involved in career growth and pursued “lifelong learning” and “continuing education” long before those concepts were popular or required. She was most proud of the time she served as a board member on the Louisiana State Board of Cosmetology.
She is survived by her daughter, Linda M. Trahan of Lafayette and her son, Kern Meyers (Gaynell) of Youngsville. Also left to cherish memories, fun times and ‘haircuts by MoMo that they paid for with kisses and then she paid them with gifts of cash and candy’ are her seven grandchildren: Damon Trahan (Angie) of Montgomery, TX; Koby Trahan (Nicole) of Lafayette; Brandon Meyers (Kelli) of Lake Charles; Kristin Gardner (Chris) of Madisonville; Brittany Trahan of Lafayette; Zachary Meyers of Springdale, AR; and Ahndi Meyers of Lake Charles. She also leaves behind 12 great grandchildren, one or two of them who got to experience those special haircuts where the stylist paid them. They are: Adam, Catherine, Evan, Tagg, CeCe, Dylan (the boy), Drew, Seth, Shay, Dylan (the girl), Ruby, and Henry. She is also survived by her sister, Effie B. Rogers, and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her husband, Curtis J. Meyers (1998) and her son-in-law, W. Paul”Bubba” Trahan (2015) as well as her parents, Thartule “Chon” and Teoza Dubois Broussard and her in-laws, Olivier and Marie Aurore Richard Mayard. Also leaving this earth for eternal rest before Nola were brothers/sisters-in-Iaw: J. C. “Black” Rogers, Natley & Lennie Mayard, Ira & Cecile Mayard, Margaret & George Trahan, Louella & Loleste Delcambre, Lucille & Louis Bernard, and Vernon & Walton “Blondie” Sellers as well as two nephews, Rudy Delcambre and her Godchild Kenneth Delcambre.
Due to Phase I re-opening restrictions of the COVID pandemic, visitation and funeral services are being restricted to immediate AND extended family members only. Masks are not required at the funeral home, but St. Theresa Catholic Church requires masks and social distancing guidelines with a limit of 140 people in the church.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to Angie LeBlanc & the entire staff of Eastridge Assisted living who helped make Nola’s last three years very comfortable and enjoyable, the 3rd floor nurses & staff & Dr. Ronnie Lahasky at Abbeville General Hospital for their care during the time we could not be with her due to pandemic restrictions, and to
Dr. Kerry Schexnaider & Hospice of Acadiana who helped her make a comfortable transition to her eternal home. We appreciate the love, calls, virtual hugs, and all the prayers in these extraordinary times.
We recognize that people who would have normally joined us at this time may not for the health and safety of themselves and others. We are grateful for your continued thoughts and prayers.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville, 209 S. St. Charles St., on Monday, May 25, 2020 from 9 AM until 12:45 PM when the procession will depart for the church. A rosary will be prayed at 10:00 AM.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.vincentfuneralhome.net.
All funeral arrangements are being conducted by Vincent Funeral Home of Abbeville, (337) 893-4661.

DELCAMBRE – A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for Wilbert Joseph Dore’, age 85, at 11:00 am on Saturday, May 23, 2020 at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church with Fr. Buddy Breaux officiating. Interment will follow at Our Lady of the Lake Mausoleum.
Visitation will take place on Saturday at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church from 9:30 am until time of service with a Rosary at 10:00 am.
A native of Avery Island and resident of New Iberia, Mr. Dore’ passed away on Thursday, May 21, 2020 at his residence.
Mr. Dore’ served his country honorably in the US Army. He was employed in the oilfield and lumberyard industry before serving as Sambassador for Good Sam Camping Club for many years.
Mr. Dore’ was an avid fisherman, fishing many area rodeos and was the “Captain” of the Captain Will.
He will be missed dearly by his family and friends.
He is survived by his daughter, Gail D. Boutin and husband Randall of New Iberia; two grandchildren, Randall Boutin, II and wife Candace and Jamie Dore’; nine great grandchildren, Gage Boutin; Landon Carlson; McKayla Neilson; Evan Boutin; Robert “RJ” Neilson, Jr.; Saige Falcon; Carter Jumonville; Braxton Boutin and Bentley Hall.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Cordry Campbell Dore’; one son, Johnny Lawrence Dore’; parents, Cleus L. and Lucille Meaux Dore’ and one brother, Wilton L. Dore’.
Pallbearers will be Randall Boutin; Randall Boutin, II; Saige Falcon, Landon Carlson, Gage Boutin and Evan Boutin.
Honorary pallbearers will be Robert “RJ’ Neilson, Jr. Braxton Boutin and Larry Dore.
Memorial donations may be made in his name to Hospice of Acadiana, 2600 Johnston Street, Suite 200, Lafayette, LA 70503.
The family would like to thank Hospice of Acadiana, especially, Seth Porsche, TeKeasha White, Deacon Davis and Steve Landry for all of the care and compassion.
To view the on-line obituary, and sign the guest register, please visit www.evangelinefuneralhome.com.
Evangeline Funeral Homes, Inc. of New Iberia is in charge of arrangements.

September 14, 1954 ~ May 20, 2020

ERATH — Graveside services will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, May 22, 2020 at Our Lady of Lourdes Cemetery in Erath honoring the life of Joseph Charles Milliman Jr., 65, who died Wednesday, May 20, 2020. He will be laid to rest at Our Lady of Lourdes Cemetery with Fr. Andre Metrejean officiating the services.
He is survived by his daughter, Joni Milliman Hebert and her husband, Aaron; son, Jed Adam Milliman; two grandchildren, Kelbi Hebert and Knoah Hebert; sister, Mona Milliman Hebert; and two brothers, Eddie Milliman and David Milliman.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Charles Milliman, Sr. and the former Darnella LeBlanc; and son, Joseph Charles “Chas” Milliman, Jr.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.vincentfuneralhome.net.
All funeral arrangements are being conducted by Vincent Funeral Home of Abbeville, (337) 893-4661.