Marjorie Lou Bourgeois
June 7, 1926 ~ August 28, 2010
Marjorie Lou Ray Bourgeois, 84, passed away peacefully in her Baton Rouge home on August 28, 2010, with her beloved daughters at her side.
Born in Somerville, Tennessee to James Lewis and Margaret Elizabeth Shackelford Ray, Mrs. Bourgeois lived most of her life in Lake Charles. She was the Administrator of Calcasieu Association for Retarded Citizens/ Calcasieu Hope Centers for 22 years. As a result of a meeting with former Governor Edwin W. Edwards wherein the needs of the handicapped were discussed, Mrs. Bourgeois was able to secure the first handicapped ramp in Lake Charles.
Mrs. Bourgeois was a lifetime member of Trinity Baptist Church, where she was Sunday School Pre-School Coordinator. She wrote the Sunday School Teachers' Guide for four- and five-year old teachers for the Southern Baptist Convention and also mentored teachers of children of that age group. She was a compassionate, loving and dedicated child of God.
Mrs. Bourgeois is survived by two daughters, Merry Jane Bourgeois and Joan Elease Bourgeois, both of Baton Rouge, and a host of friends. She was preceded in death by her husband of 37 years, O. J. Bourgeois.
Graveside services will be held at 10:30 AM on Tuesday August, 31, 2010, at Prien Memorial Park under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home. Bro. Larry Ramsour will officiate.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Calcasieu Association for Retarded Citizens, Marjorie Bourgeois Scholarship Fund, 4100 Sen. J. Bennett Johnston Avenue, Lake Charles, LA 70615; Trinity Baptist Church TK's Place Building Fund, 1800 Country Club Road, Lake Charles, LA 70605; or Louisiana College Special Education Scholarship Fund, 1140 College Drive, Pineville, LA 71360.
Heartfelt thanks are expressed to many dear friends and Generations Hospice of Baton Rogue, owners and staff, for their tender, loving and Christian care.
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An angel in heaven looking down upon her family and loved ones. Just want to thank God for the life of Ms Marjorie as I have thought of her for many years. I remember, as a Sunday School student of hers many, many years ago, that she was the one that led me to Christ and I am eternally grateful and blessed to have been one of her SS students. May she rest in peace and her family be conforted knowing what a wonderful Christain lady she was. God bless all of you!
Dear MerryJane and Joan,I was so sorry to hear about your Mother's passing. I know that she has been in ill health for many years and both of you have always been there for her. It is my hope and prayer that you will be able to remember the good times with your Mother-like the trip the three of you took to New England to see the fall leaves (OK except that on that trip MerryJane fell and broke her leg)Just know, that your Mother will always be a part of you.In Christ's Love,Janice Zube
In memory of our dear and loving Marjorie Bourgeois. We acknowledge our love and thank God for her life and legacy. We pray for peace and comfort for Mary and Joan in the passing of their precious mother. From the families of Dorothy Cormie Roach and the Cormie's
Joan Merry, I'm so grateful for my memories of Miss Marjie of you. I've been blessed to have been recently reconnected with you wonderful ladies after so many years! Your mom is a shining model of service to others, and you've been terrific examples on how to care for our parents. I look forward to being with you again soon and eating Mississippi Mud Pie in Miss Marjie's honor!
Marjorie and I often visited the home of the children who came to Trinity Baptist Church. One day we knocked on the front door but no one answered. Marjorie turned to me and said, I hear a TV, we're going around to the back door! She was a very determined visitor! I learned much from her! Thanks for the memories, Marjorie! Love, Willa Richardson
Marjorie and O.J. were important influences on me in my youth at Trinity Baptist Church. My condolences to the family.
Merry Jane and Joan– Amazing how times like this flood us with memories of how much folks were a part of and touched our lives– from your Grandma B babysitting me (and you, Merry), scrunching in the back of your dad's VW bug with LOTS of music en route to nursing home services, your mom giving me a ride when I missed my bus as a young lady working downtown and walking home in the heat… always seeing her through the windows in the children's classrooms of the downtown Trinity location (her reflection was ALWAYS there– and probably always will be), and it just goes on and on. I am indeed a richer person for each day your parents walked through my past and left their footprints on my future. Our prayer today is that the thousand times more you had help you find smiles at this time, and the knowledge of how much they left with so many others brings you pride and peace. Godspeed.
Merry Jane and Joan, your mother's Christian love is portrayed in your beautiful faces. Like your mother, you both are heroes. Love you.
Merry Jane, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your sister during this time of you loss.
Merry Jane, you and your sister have my deepest sympathy. Bernadette
Merry Jane,I'm so sorry about your mom. I will keep you and your sister in my thoughts and prayers.Godd bless you!
Merry Jane,May you find comfort in the Lord, he is holding your mother in his hands and the Good Lord has you and your sister in his heart.Melinda Wald
Merry Jane: My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. Pat
SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT THE LOSS OF YOUR MOTHER. MAY GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU DURING THIS TIME OF GRIEF.
You are in my thoughts and prayers. my heartfelt condolences are extended to you and your family. May Almighty God comfort you during this time of bereavement. God bless you.Evelyn Johnson
You two girls were the joy of Margie's life. I was just thinking of her the other day and remembering some of the funny things that happened through the years. She was my mentor at Trinity and taught me many skills that I still use in working with the Lord's people, I still teach preschoolers and I remember so many funny things that happened at Margaret Lewis Day Care Center where we worked together. I regret deeply that I will be unable to be with you today, Joanie you will always be that little angelic child to me and Merry you will always be the dark haired beauty who called me when I missed church and had a precious smile when I came. My prayers are with you. Claribel Jones