RSS Feed

Article Image Alt Text

Mrs. Andrew Hungerford

Heather Abshire becomes Mrs. Andrew Hungerford

Miss Heather Nicole Abshire and Mr. Andrew Stephen Hungerford became man and wife during a 6:30 p.m. ceremony on Saturday, March 4, 2017, at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church in Abbeville.
Associate pastor Michael Richard officiated the nuptials.
The bride is the daughter of Milton and Tanya Abshire. Her grandparents are Mahala Rose Templet and the late Lawrence Templet, Ann Smith and the late Jerry Smith, the late Una Mae Abshire and the late Milton Abshire, Sr., all of Lafayette, La.
The groom is the son of Stephen and Michelle Hungerford. His grandparents are the late John and Anna Mae Hebert Hungerford, Adrienne Beauxis LeBlanc of New Iberia and the late Joseph Simon LeBlanc, Jr.
Music for the ceremony was provided by Tommy Guidry, organist.
Escorted by her father, the bride wore an ivory empire waist gown adorned with intricate beaded detail. Capped sleeves added coverage while the back of the gown featured illusion lace which added allure. The gorgeous lace over the satin fabric flowed to shape a flattering A-line silhouette. A chapel length train completed the ensemble. She carried a cascading bouquet of fresh red roses and cala lilies.
The scalloped edge cathedral bridal veil was adorned with embroidery faux pearl sequins.
The groom’s great-aunt, Susan Beauxis Petry, gave the bride a six pence to wear in her shoe for good luck.
Parents of the bride gave the bride a special blue butterfly pendant for her wedding.
Katie Abshire, sister of the bride, served as maid of honor. Bridesmaids included April Hungerford, sister of the groom; Kristen Hungerford, sister-in-law of the groom; Sarah Hains, Raven Rodriguez, Samantha Bella and Haley McCall, all friends of the bride.
The attendants wore wine colored dresses, each in their individual styles while the maid of honor dressed in gold.They carried white calla lilies.
Sophia Abshire, niece of the bride, served as flower girl. She wore a white top and tutu skirt in gold, wine and white.
Blake Dupuy, childhood friend of the groom, served as best man. Groomsmen included John Hungerford, brother of the groom; Thomas Abshire, brother of the bride; Trey Derouen, Anthony Khlorer, Wesley Scalisi and Leander Greene, all friends of the groom. Ring bearer was Braylon Tours, nephew of the groom. Ushers were James LeBlanc II and Joseph S. LeBlanc, IV, cousins of the groom.
The reception was held at Magdalen Place.
A surprise honeymoon trip for the bride was to St. Lucia Virgin Islands.
A rehearsal dinner was held Friday, March 3, 2017, at the Caldwell House in Abbeville hosted by the groom’s parents.
The couple will reside in Lafayette.

Article Image Alt Text

Rene Rost Middle School’s Carina Chargois will be competing to be Louisiana Middle School Student of the Year. She is the Vermilion Parish Middle School Student of the Year this year and won the Elementary Student of the Year honor in fifth grade.

Rene Rost’s Carina Chargois vying for state’s top middle school student

To read Carina Chargois’ bio is to see the accomplishments and experiences of someone who will be graduating high school ...

PLEASE LOG IN FOR PREMIUM CONTENT. Our website requires visitors to log in to view the best local news. Not yet a subscriber? Subscribe today to the Abbeville Meridional or Gueydan Journal or Kaplan Herald.

Article Image Alt Text

Honorable Judge Marcus Anson Broussard Jr.

ABBEVILLE – Memorial services for the Honorable Judge Marcus Anson Broussard Jr., 88, will be held Friday March 17, 2017 at 2:00 PM at St. Theresa Catholic Church, with Father Greg Cormier Pastor of St. Theresa Catholic Church officiating concelebrants will be Msgr. Keith Derouen Pastor of Our Lady Queen of Angels Church, Father Floyd Calais retired and Reverend Chester Arceneaux Pastor of Cathedral of St. John Evangelist. Visitation will be held at St. Theresa Catholic Church beginning at 1:00 PM until time of services.
A native and resident of Abbeville, his greatest joy came from spending time with his family especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Judge Broussard passed away Friday March 3, 2017 at his residence surrounded by his loving family.
Survivors include his wife of 65 years Barbara Schlesinger Broussard of Abbeville; two sons James G. “Jim” Broussard and his wife Diane of Abbeville, and Edward B. “Ed” Broussard of Abbeville; three daughters Catherine B. “Cathy” Miller of New Orleans, Patricia A. “Tricia” Broussard of Lafayette and Virginia B. Stokes and her husband Patrick of Lafayette; three grandsons James S. Broussard and his wife Chanel, David M. Tridico and Michael “Mike” Broussard; and five granddaughters Julie B. Faciane and her husband Jeremy, Claire L. Broussard, Catherine T. Hudson and her husband Anthony, Anne - Marie M. Stokes, and Leigh I. Stokes; seven great granddaughters; and one great grandson on the way.
Judge Broussard was preceded in death by his son Marcus A. “Mike” Broussard III; his parents Marcus A. Broussard Sr. and Muriel Brady Broussard; his sister Florence B. Guidry; and his brother Robert Brady Broussard.
The Broussard family would like to thank Lourdes Hospice and Judge Broussard's special caregiver, Mrs. Regina Gabriel.
Condolences may be sent to the Broussard family at www.davidfuneralhome.org
David Funeral Home 2600 Charity St. (337) 893-3777 is in charge of arrangements.

Article Image Alt Text

Robert Lee Stevens

October 30, 1942 ~ March 8, 2017

ABBEVILLE — A memorial service will be held at 11:30 AM on Monday, March 13, 2017 at Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville honoring the life of Robert Lee Stevens, 74 years, who died Wednesday, March 8, 2017 at his residence.
In his free time, Robert enjoyed fishing, swinging in his backyard and tending to his yard.
He is survived by his sons, Robert Craig Stevens and his wife Danielle of TX, Shannon Christopher Stevens and his wife Jocelyn of Mire, and Blaine Carroll Stevens and his wife Nancy of Maurice; seven grandchildren, Dana Stevens, Miriah Beard and companion Matt Thibodeaux, Brianna Stevens, Cierra Stevens, Morgan Gallagher and companion Lindzie Knight, Trey Gresham and Laynie Stevens; two great grandchildren, Olivia Thibodeaux and Elias Gallagher; two brothers, Dudley Stevens and his wife Kathy of Abbeville, and Howard Stevens and his wife Linda of Kaplan; and sister Joyce Foreman and her husband Randall of Abbeville.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Myrna Granger Stevens; and parents, Robert Stevens and the former Elzedia Hebert.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville, 209 S. St. Charles St., on Monday, March 13, 2017 from 9:00 AM until time of service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family.
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.

Article Image Alt Text

Gertie Mae LeBlanc Boudreaux

November 22, 1935 ~ March 8, 2017

ABBEVILLE — Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, March 10, 2017 at Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville honoring the life of Gertie Mae LeBlanc Boudreaux, 81 years, who died Wednesday, March 8, 2017 at Lafayette General Medical Center surrounded by her family. She will be laid to rest at St. Paul Cemetery with Reverend Emmanuel Fernandez officiating the services. Pallbearers will be CJ Boudreaux, Richard Boudreaux, Darrell Boudreaux, Rodney Boudreaux, Eddie Boudreaux and Ronald Hebert.
She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Clougest “CJ” Boudreaux Sr; five sons, Clougest “CJ” Boudreaux Jr and his wife Stephanie, Richard Boudreaux and his wife Phyllis, Darrell Boudreaux, Rodney Boudreaux and his wife Melinda, and Eddie Boudreaux and his wife Dannelle; five daughters, Geraldine “Dene” Badon and her husband Bobby, Darlene Hebert and her husband Ronald, Judy Uriegas and her husband Danny, Debbie Trantor and her husband Roy, and Barbara Bouillion and her husband Matt; twenty grandchildren; thirty-two great grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren; three brothers, James LeBlanc and his wife Diane, George LeBlanc and his wife Lynn, and Arvie LeBlanc and his wife Sandra; and two sisters, Neva Meredith and Jeannette LeBlanc.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Treme’ LeBlanc and the former Eve Janise; brothers, Harvey LeBlanc, Treme’ “Joe” LeBlanc Jr. and Michael LeBlanc; sister, Geraldine LeBlanc; grandchildren, Rory Boudreaux, Ashley Hebert and Bryan Badon; great granddaughter, Olivia Boudreaux; and great-great granddaughter, Elaine Langlinais.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville, 209 S. St. Charles St., on Friday, March 10, 2017 from 9:00 AM until time of services. A rosary being prayed at 12:00 PM.
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.

Article Image Alt Text

Mr. Donald Ray Levy, Sr.

ABBEVILLE — A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 11, 2017 at Mt. Triumph Baptist church for Mr. Donald Ray Levy, Sr. Pastor E.I. Sullivan will officiate the service.
He will await the resurrection in Mt. Triumph Baptist Church Cemetery, Prairie Street, in Abbeville, LA.
A resident of Abbeville, LA Donald Ray “Duck”, as he was affectionately called, passed away on Friday, March 3, 2017 at Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center in Lafayette, LA.
Donald leaves to mourn and to cherish his fond memory, his loving wife of 29 years, Anita Lynn Broussard Levy, of Abbeville, LA; four sons, Clayton St. Julien (Chelsea) of Lafayette, LA, Kendrick Saddler, Donald Ray Levy, Jr. and Bailey Vargas, all of Abbeville, LA; three daughters, Brandy St. Julien Martin (Sherman) of Lafayette, LA, Chonda Levy and Bianca Levy, both of Abbeville, LA; two brothers, Elroy Levy (Ruth) of Houston, TX and David Wayne Levy (Debra) of Lafayette, LA; two sisters, Delores W. Adams and Dorothy Nell Lee Lapointe, both of Abbeville, LA; his father-in-law, Clifton Broussard, Sr., five sister-in-law’s, Tonia Williams Francis (John) of Lafayette, LA, Pamela Derouen (Nathan) of Delcambre, LA, Phyllis Vallian (Gilbert) of New Iberia, LA, and Erica James of Stafford, VA, and Lisa McCarter Levy of Deridder, LA; 6 brother-in-law’s, Darrell Broussard of Lafayette, LA, Kevin Broussard (Juanita) of Kaplan, LA, Clifton Broussard, Jr. (Marilyn) of Charlotte, NC, Dexter Broussard (Dawn) of New Iberia, LA, Marcus Broussard of Dallas, TX and Morris Levine Jr., of Abbeville, LA; 7 grandchildren, Deiontray Martin, Danaegha St. Julien, Deionghnae Martin, LaVontre Sterlings, Chloe St. Julien and Clayton St. Julien, Jr., all of Lafayette, Louisiana and 6 godchildren; Margaret Veney Sanders, Robert Levy, Tierra Bessard, Kendrick Veney, Ryheem Veney and Clavern Adams, Jr.; and two very special nieces, Nina Ducre and Tyler Broussard and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence Levy, Sr. and Maudry Sonnier Levy; his brothers, Lawrence Levy, Lawrence Levy, II, and Eddie Hill; his three sisters, Lena Levine Levy, Hazel Levy and Eva Mae Levine and his brother-in-laws Joseph D. Adams and Alfred Lee, Sr., and his mother-in-law, Carroll Ann O’Brien Broussard.
Visitation will be held at the church on Saturday, March 11, from 8:00 a.m. until time of service.
Kinchen Funeral Home-C.M. Butler Chapel (337-898-9595) 218 N. St. Valerie Street-Abbeville, LA 70510 is in charge of the arrangements. Additionally, condolences to the family can be expressed on our website at www.kinchenfuneralhome.com.

Article Image Alt Text

Myrtis Cecile Theriot Hebert

July 26, 1925 ~ March 6, 2017

ABBEVILLE — A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, March 8, 2017 at St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Catholic Church honoring the life of Myrtis Cecile Hebert, 91 years, who died Monday, March 6, 2017 at St. Tammany Parish Hospital. She will be laid to rest at St. Mary Magdalen Cemetery with Rev. Gregory Cormier officiating the services.
Myrtis was born to Rosa Trahan Theriot and Abel Theriot on July 26, 1925 in Abbeville, Louisiana. Married to Harris Ray Hebert until his death in 1999. She was a beautician and later worked in the family business Abbeville Auto Parts and Abbeville Snapper.  In 2009, she moved to The Windsor in Mandeville, La. where she volunteered her services to other residents and the community.  Mrs. Hebert was "Aunt Myrt" to all who knew her.  
She is survived by her niece and nephew - Jake Hebert and family, niece, Marcey Ruiz and family, and a host of other nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Harris Ray Hebert; parents, Abel Theriot and the former Rosa Trahan; and siblings Mark J. Theriot, Marion J. Theriot, Pearl Theriot Mano and Earl Theriot.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville, 209 S. St. Charles St., on Wednesday, March 8, 2017 from 10:00 AM until 1:45 PM when the procession will depart for the church. A rosary being prayed at 12:00 PM.
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.

Elijah James Johnson

March 6, 2017 ~ March 6, 2017

DELCAMBRE — Graveside services will be held at 9:00 AM on Thursday, March 9, 2017 at Our Lady of the Lake Cemetery honoring the life of Elijah James Johnson who died Monday, March 6, 2017 at Women’s and Children’s Hospital.
He will be laid to rest at Our Lady of the Lake Cemetery.
He is survived by his mother, Jessica Ann Richardson; father, Tekoah Wayne Dante’ Johnson; maternal grandparents, Julia Evans and Allen Richardson II; paternal grandfather, James Johnson; aunts, Allison Richardson and Franchesca Regalado; uncles, Noah Richardson and Demond Charles Johnson; great aunt, Lorraine Dyson; and great uncle, Walter Paul Lessin.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandmother, Shirley Lessin.
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.

Article Image Alt Text

Judge Marcus Broussard passes away

He served as Abbeville’s first City Court judge

Abbeville’s first City Court Judge, the Honorable Marcus Anson Broussard, Jr., passed away this past Friday, March 3, 2017, at his home in Abbeville. Judge Broussard was born in Abbeville, Louisiana, on February 14, 1929, the eldest child of Marcus A. Broussard, Sr. and Muriel Alice Brady. He spent his early childhood residing in Washington D.C., where his father was secretary to then U.S. Congressman Numa Montet. After three years in D.C., the family returned to Abbeville where he was raised along with his two siblings -- Florence Adele “Flo” Broussard (Guidry), and R. Brady Broussard, who would later become Mayor of Abbeville.
As a child, Judge Broussard, known then as “Buddy,” was educated both in the Catholic and public schools of Abbeville before graduating high school from Saint Stanislaus College in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, in 1946. Upon graduation from Saint Stanislaus in June of 1946, he enlisted in the Louisiana National Guard as a private. Thereafter, he quickly rose through the ranks, receiving a commission as a Second Lieutenant Infantry Division in 1952, and promoted, by the Secretary of the Army, to Reserve Commissioned Officer of a First Lieutenant to the U.S. Army in April of 1956. After nearly twelve years of service, he was honorably discharged on January 14, 1958.
Prior to attending law school, Judge Broussard received a bachelor’s degree from Southwestern Louisiana Institute (now the University of Louisiana at Lafayette). On December 27, 1951, just weeks after graduating from undergraduate school, he married the girl he met at the Abbeville City pool in 1948, Abbeville’s own Barbara Ann Schlesinger. In the fall of 1952, he enrolled in law school at the Loyola University in New Orleans -- the same university where his father received a law degree in June of 1927. As newlyweds, the couple could not afford to both move to New Orleans so Buddy commuted to law school in New Orleans, traveling back and forth to Abbeville, as much as he possibly could, to be with his wife. These were, understandably, tough times for the couple, as his wife recalls, she would cry “for at least two hours every time he would leave” to return to New Orleans. But despite the adversity, the young couple made the best of their long-distance marriage. By the time Buddy graduated from law school in 1955, the couple had been blessed with their first two sons: Marcus A. “Mike” Broussard, III, and James G. “Jim” Broussard; their third son, Edward B. Broussard, who currently serves as a Fifteenth Judicial District Court Judge, was on the way. The couple would ultimately complete their family unit, and fulfill the aspirations of Mrs. Broussard’s desire to have a large family comprised of both sons and daughters, by having three girls: Catherine Broussard, Patricia Broussard, and Virginia Broussard (Stokes).
Despite his obligations as a husband and father, Buddy made the most of law school. He was a member of the Loyola Law Review, Alpha Sigma Nu National Jesuit Honor Fraternity, Blue Key National Honor Fraternity, Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities, and President of St. Thomas Moore Law Club. Most notably, he received the Dean’s Award for maintaining the highest grade average of any student during his first year of law school. He graduated in 1955 with such a high grade point average that he was exempt for taking the bar; nevertheless, he sat for the bar and passed without having studied.
Upon his admission to the practice of law in 1955, Marcus A. Broussard, Jr., formed a partnership with his father, under the name of Broussard & Broussard, Ltd., which was the first professional law corporation incorporated in Louisiana after such corporations were authorized by the Legislature. Notable associates employed by the Broussard & Broussard firm include retired Judge J. Byron Hebert, and the late J. Nathan Stansbury, former District Attorney, of the Fifteenth Judicial District Court. Eleven years later, in 1966, Mr. Paul G. Moresi, Jr. joined the firm, as partner, to form Broussard, Broussard & Moresi, Ltd. Eventually, Mr. Moresi would amicably leave the firm in 1983, and form his own law firm where he continues to practice with his two sons. Even after the breakup of their firm, Judge Broussard and Mr. Moresi remained close friends. “He was a dear friend. He was a great attorney and an excellent judge, and he will be missed.” Paul G. Moresi, Jr.
In August of 1958, Marcus A. Broussard, Jr. was appointed by the Governor as Abbeville’s first City Judge upon the creation of that court by the Louisiana Legislature. In 1960, he was elected to retain that positon, by a large majority of the voters, winning every precinct. Judge Broussard held that position thereafter, without opposition, until he retired from that seat on May 30, 1984. By appointment of the Louisiana Supreme Court, Judge Broussard also sat as an ad hoc judge, pro tempore, for more than one-fourth of the Judicial District Courts in the State of Louisiana. In 1986, Judge Broussard’s youngest son, Edward B. Broussard, joined the firm with his father and grandfather where the three generations of Broussard attorneys practiced together until Marcus A. Broussard, Sr.’s death on March 6, 1996. Judge Broussard continued to practice with his son until he, Edward B. Broussard, was elected judge for the Fifteenth Judicial District in 2008.
Judge Broussard was known throughout the legal community as an equitable, fair judge of the utmost integrity. “Judge Broussard was definitely an important mentor to me, both as an attorney and judge. He hired me as an associate right out of law school. Years later, I worked again with Judge Broussard when he served as ad hoc judge for the Fifteenth J.D.C. He worked untiringly and served the district well for so many years.” Retired Judge J. Byron Hebert.
Many of the rulings Judge Broussard made while serving as ad hoc judge appointed by the Louisiana Supreme Court remain widely read and cited as seminal examples of exemplary legal reasoning. In Franklin v. Oilfield Heavy Haulers, 478 So.2d 549, for example, Judge Broussard’s ruling from the bench, although overturned by the court of appeal, comported exactly, with Louisiana legislature’s amendment of article 2324 of the Louisiana Civil Code only eighteen months later. In another example, Polk v. State, through Dep't of Transp. & Dev., 538 So.2d 239 (La. 1989), Judge Broussard forged a new and more realistic interpretation of a regulation of the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development concerning the furnishing of comparable replacement dwellings for Louisiana homeowners, whose properties had been seized by the State for the development of highways, resulting in a more fair and equitable resolution for the public. Judge Broussard’s equitable approach to this issue has undoubtedly had a positive impact for countless Louisianans faced with losing their homes due to highway expansion.
Beyond his familial and professional accomplishments, Judge Broussard was a revered civic leader who maintained a robust involvement with community organizations, both commercial and charitable. He served as president of the Abbeville Kiwanis Club, was a member of the Knights of Columbus and a Fourth Degree Knight. He also served as a member and past president of the Abbeville Chamber of Commerce, a Long-time Boy Scout and Girl Scout finance chairman, and past president of Abbeville Little League Baseball. He was an active participant in Heart Fund, Red Cross, Cancer and March of Dime Campaigns. He was honored with the position of first Chairman for the Abbeville’s Human Rights Committee in 1965, and again in 1966; thereafter, he remained a dedicated and active member of that committee for many years. A two-time winner of the Outstanding Kiwanian Award and a member of Mensa. In 1963, he was named Abbeville Citizen of the Year. Both his professional and civic accomplishments where borne of his deep commitment to his faith, family and community.
Judge Broussard is survived by his wife of more than sixty-five years, Barbara Schlesinger Broussard, his sons, Jim and Ed, his daughters, Cathy, Tricia, and Virginia, as well as eight grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. Above all else, Judge Broussard will be remembered for his captivating personality, his generosity, and fairness, both on and off the bench. He gave himself to his family and his community; he will be sorely missed by both.

Article Image Alt Text

Students were building an ROV ( remotely operated vehicle) which they later used in a pool. They had to control the ROV so that it would collect rings.

Article Image Alt Text

Students learned about wildlife on the coast.

Article Image Alt Text

Learning the internal structure of squids.

Article Image Alt Text

Learning the internal structure of squids.

Vermilion TAG students take field trip to sea lab

On February 19-21, 2017, Vermilion Parish TAG students in grades 5-12 embarked on an adventure we will not soon forget.
Teachers Leah Trahan, Katie Primeaux, Karen McCain, and Betsy Hacket took their students on a field trip to Dauphin Island Sea Lab.
Students participated in informational classes and hands on activities that focused on coastal environments and the wildlife that live there.
The students were able to ride on a research vessel to collect specimens and discover facts about them. They also were able to create ROVs (remotely operated vehicles) that would operate underwater and test them.
Students also got to dissect and learn about the internal structure of squids.
Students learned about coastal erosion and the creation of natural and manmade barriers. They were given the chance to collect plankton, view the plankton they collected using microscopes, and even create their own model of plankton and test speed. This trip was not only enjoyable, but highly educational. ​​​​
This trip included students from all of the schools in Vermilion Parish.

Pages

Vermilion Today

Abbeville Meridional

318 N. Main St.
Abbeville, LA 70510
Phone: 337-893-4223
Fax: 337-898-9022

The Kaplan Herald

219 North Cushing Avenue
Kaplan, LA 70548