Anne Celeste Barras Godeaux

Anne Celeste (Barras) Godeaux passed away on Friday, November 28, 2025, in Lake Charles, LA, at the age of 69. She was born on March 22, 1956, to the late Sidney Barras and Gwendolyn Driskill Barras in Valdosta, Georgia.

Anne and her family moved back to Lake Charles, Louisiana after her father completed his career in the United States Air Force. She attended Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Elementary School and went on to graduate from St. Louis High School in 1974. Guided by an unwavering love for animals, Anne earned her degree in Animal Husbandry from McNeese State University in 1979, an achievement that laid the foundation for a lifetime of meaningful work and compassion. Following her graduation, Anne began her career as a Grain Inspector in Houston, Texas, before returning home to Lake Charles. She then began her career with Animal Services of Calcasieu Parish, where she devoted more than 30 years to protecting and caring for the animals she loved so deeply.

Anne had a joyful, adventurous spirit. She loved to travel and could often be found riding through the countryside with her sunroof open and rock music turned up loud. Estate sales and flea market treasure hunts were among her favorite pastimes, and she cherished every moment spent with her close friends on those outings.

She held a special place in her heart for her beloved furry companion, Payton, and deeply grieved his recent passing. Above all, Anne treasured her family. Her greatest joy came from time spent with her loved ones, especially her grandchildren, who brought immeasurable light into her life. Anne lived fully, loved deeply, and embraced every day with gratitude, humor, and kindness. She will be remembered for her compassionate heart, her adventurous spirit, and the love she shared so generously with others.

Those left to cherish her memory include her husband, Patrick Godeaux, Sr.; her son, Chad Dodson (Elizabeth Lawrence); her daughter, Savannah Vegoren (Alan Vegoren); her stepdaughter, Brittany Leonard; her grandchildren, William Rogers, Evan Lawrence, Madilyn Dodson, Arman Vegoren, Alani Vegoren, Kayden Vegoren, Oakley Vegoren, Tatum Vegoren, Dante Leonard, and Kayson Leonard; her brothers, Sidney J. Barras, Jr. and Jonathan Driskill Barras, along with a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Sidney James Barras, Sr. and Gwendolyn Ann Driskill Barras; her son, Patrick Godeaux, Jr.; and her granddaughter, Sydney Ellice Dodson.

Anne's funeral will be held at 7:00 PM on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 in the Johnson Funeral of Lake Charles Chapel, with Msgr. Harry Greig serving as Celebrant. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Wednesday from 4:00 PM until the start of the service, with a rosary being recited at 6:30 PM.

A GoFundMe account has been established for anyone wishing to donate and can be found at https://gofund.me/8d72a9391. Those who wish to help Anne’s family with funeral and burial expenses may also make donations directly to Johnson Funeral Home, designated in Anne’s name.