Debbie LaFosse

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Debbie Ann Labove (Helms) LaFosse, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend, and cherished member of her community, who entered the presence of her Lord and Savior on October 16, 2025, at 5:30 a.m. Though her passing leaves a profound void in the hearts of all who loved her, we rejoice in knowing she is now free from pain and resting peacefully in her heavenly home. Her light and love will continue to shine in the lives of those she touched until we are all reunited again.

Debbie was born on November 13, 1944, in Sweetlake, Louisiana, to the late Demesthene ("Tan") and Zilda Labove.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Edmund F. Helms; her son, Tim Helms; her brother, Norris Labove; her sisters, Willie Dean Labove and Ina Mae Beard; as well as Christine Reed (daughter of John LaFosse) and Connor Reed (grandson of John LaFosse).

She is survived by her devoted husband, John LaFosse; her children, Sabrah Helms Kingham-Holland, Cheryl Rowan (husband Tommy), and Scott Helms (Amanda); and her daughter-in-law, Pam Helms (widow of Tim Helms). She is also survived by her brother, Wilfred "Dubby" Labove (wife Sarita). Debbie was richly blessed with grandchildren Rex Kingham, Maggie Pankhurst, Laura-Ashley Vail, Amanda St. John, Katlyn Taylor, Victoria May, Trent Helms, Tanner Helms, Tate Helms, Bailey Helms, Sydney Helms, and Matthew Reed (grandson of John LaFosse); sixteen great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; many dear friends; and her best friend and caregiver, Pam Brashear.

Debbie grew up in Cameron Parish, where she graduated from Grand Lake High School and later attended McNeese State University. She was crowned Miss Grand Lake, Miss Cameron Parish, and Queen V of the Louisiana Fur & Wildlife Festival. As a Louisiana festival queen, she was honored to visit the White House, where she was welcomed by President John F. Kennedy-a memory she treasured throughout her life. To her family, she will always remain the "Queen of our Hearts."

Her legacy was defined not only by her titles and accomplishments, but by her servant's heart and the love she poured into others. She lovingly devoted her early years to raising her four children before beginning a career in education, serving as a teacher and mentor at a non-public, faith-based school in Lake Charles. She later worked for fourteen years as office manager at Bare Wood Furniture in Lake Charles and retired after eighteen years of dedicated service as an administrative assistant with Kenjabruch in Kinder.

A woman of steadfast faith, Debbie was an active member of Glad Tidings Assembly of God, where she and her husband faithfully served together in ministry. She will be remembered for her kind spirit, unwavering faith, and deep compassion for others. Debbie found great joy in her family, her church, and her community-especially in attending her grandchildren's events and lending a helping hand wherever needed. Her beauty, warmth, generosity, and love for her family will be forever remembered and cherished.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Debbie's life at a memorial service beginning with visitation on Monday, October 20, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Johnson Funeral Home, 4321 Lake Street, Lake Charles, LA. Visitation will continue on Tuesday, October 21, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 1:00 p.m., followed by interment at Green Oaks Cemetery in Kinder, Louisiana.