Elizabeth Manuel

Elizabeth Ann Manuel was born on January 1, 1939, in Lake Charles, Louisiana. She held a special place in her family’s history as the first baby born on New Year’s Day in 1939. Throughout her life, Elizabeth built a legacy rooted in faith, family, and the love she shared with the many generations who were blessed to know her.

A devoted Baptist, Elizabeth lived a life grounded in humility and kindness. As a homemaker, she dedicated herself to her family, finding her greatest accomplishment not in material things, but in the beautiful family she raised and the generations that followed. Her life was a testament to the importance of family, and she took pride in the bonds that connected her loved ones.

Elizabeth was known for her sweet heart and spirited personality. She was a loving, humble woman, but she also had a feisty side and was never afraid to let you know when something wasn’t sitting right with her! That combination of sweetness, strength, and honesty was part of what made her so special to those who knew her.

She had a wonderful memory and loved sharing stories, keeping family history alive through the moments she remembered and the experiences she recounted. She enjoyed playing cards and loved a little gambling, but some of her happiest moments were spent celebrating with her family. She especially loved attending family birthday parties, where generations could come together and make memories. These simple joys reflected what mattered most to Elizabeth: being surrounded by the people she loved.

Elizabeth’s greatest accomplishment was the family she built. Through her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, her influence will continue for generations. The values she lived by, the stories she shared, and the traditions she cherished will remain part of her family’s story.

Elizabeth is survived by her children, Nancy Simmons and Norman Forrest Jr. (Misty).

She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren: Norma (Leroy), Patrick (Shontel and Amber), Nicollette (Nathan), Dylan (Megan), Dalton, Cody (Hayleigh), Darian (Eduardo), Madison, Chloe, and Peyton.

Her great-grandchildren are Faith (Mark), Christian (Justin), Cameron (Branden), Ethan (Madison), Taylor (Tyler), Tyler (Emma), Dailyn, Hadley, Kenzlie, Kylie, Bentley, Wesley, Gunner, Mason, Brady, Baker, and Landon.

Her great-great-grandchildren are Trinity, Trinton, Triton, Tallyn, Kyle, Keyten, McKenna, Brynlee, Raylee, Charlee, Everleigh, Haizleigh, and Kamden.

Elizabeth was preceded in death by her beloved daughters, Norma Sue and Linda (Dean); her children’s father, Norman Simmons Sr.; her mother, Thelma Washespack (Avery); her adopted mother, Florence Drago; her brother, Frank; her sister, Rudy; her grandchild, Dallas; her great-grandchild, Kailyn; and her son-in-law, Patrick.

As her family mourns her passing, they can take comfort in the faith she held dear and in the many memories that will forever connect them to her. Although saying goodbye is never easy, the impact of Elizabeth’s life will be seen in the family she leaves behind and in the love that continues to unite them.

Elizabeth’s life was a blessing, and the family she created is a lasting part of her legacy. She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished by those whose lives she touched.

May she rest in eternal peace, held in the everlasting love of the Lord she faithfully served.

“In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.”