Carolyn D. Gauthreaux

Carolyn Genelle Gauthreaux, 88, of Lake Charles, Louisiana, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 19, 2026. She was born July 13, 1938, in Lake Charles to Lee and Laura Rider Durio and was a lifelong resident of the Lake Charles community.

Carolyn was a 1956 graduate of St. Charles Academy and later attended McNeese State University. She began her working career as a Deputy Clerk of Court with the Calcasieu Parish Clerk of Court’s Office. She later served as an administrative assistant with the Calcasieu Parish School Board, first at Lake Charles High School from 1974 to 1976 and then at Dolby Elementary School from 1976 until her retirement in 1986.

Throughout her life, Carolyn remained active in the Lake Charles community and enjoyed the friendships she made along the way. She was a longtime supporter of McNeese State University athletics and a member of the McNeese Mavericks. She was also a member of Beta Sigma Phi Social Sorority, Xi Alpha Iota Chapter, the Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Red Hat Society.

Her Catholic faith was an important part of Carolyn’s life. She was a member of Christ the King Catholic Church. She served as a Eucharistic Minister, was a lector, and sang with the Resurrection Choir at OLQH. She also was involved in Marriage and Engaged Encounter, and ACTS Retreat.

Carolyn was an avid card player and especially enjoyed time spent with family. Family gatherings gave her the opportunity to be surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who were such an important part of her life.

She is survived by her children, Patsy Byrley and husband Jeff, Theresa Johnson, and Tom Gauthreaux; her son-in-law, Wendell Lejeune; her grandchildren, Matthew Byrley and wife Brittney, Kyle Byrley and wife Lindsay, and Amanda Lejeune and fiancée Jacob Granger; and her great-grandchildren, Findley, Fletcher, and Axel Stutes, Eli Bourque, Brody and Jules Byrley, Kaynon, Grayson, and Beckham Granger, and her brother, Mike Durio and wife Sue, who was like a sister to her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lee and Laura Rider Durio; her husband of 58 years, Bobby Gauthreaux; and her daughter, Sheila Lejeune.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on Friday, September 25, 2026 in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 935 Bilbo Street, with the Very Reverend Matthew Cormier, V.F. serving as Celebrant. Visitation will be in the chapel of Johnson Funeral Home, 4321 Lake Street, on Thursday, September 24 from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM, with a rosary being recited at 6:00 PM.