Isabel "Bel" Thornton Painter

Isabel “Bel” Thornton Painter, 81, passed away peacefully on January 27^th. 

Bel was born March 9, 1937 in Natchitoches, Louisiana.  She was the youngest daughter of Sam and Alberta “Bert” Thornton, growing up in Boyce, Louisiana.  She attended Bolton High School and Newcomb College of Tulane University, where she was a member of AOII Sorority.  After earning her Education degree in 1959, she began her teaching career in New Orleans.

She married Joseph David Painter on January 28, 1960.  They were blessed to share 59 years of marriage.  They have two children Sam Painter married to Virginia “Ginny” Davis, and Amy Painter Allen married to JD “Dale” Allen.  She is also survived by her two grandsons James David and Jonathan Allen, her niece Kathy Vincent Hanudel and her nephew Burt Vincent.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister Katherine “Kitty” Vincent and her niece Vicky Vincent Stulb.

A life-long educator, Bel taught at the Episcopal Day School and in the French Immersion Program for Calcasieu Parish Schools.  She retired from teaching to become a full-time grandmother, “Mamou” to her boys she so dearly loved.  She was a member of Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, the Junior League of Lake Charles, the Krewe of Mystique and many other organizations.

She enjoyed sharing her love of traveling, cooking and sewing with her family and friends.   

Thanks to the many friends who supported her and her family during her illness and to the caring staff at The Guardian during her final care.

Funeral services will be held at 1pm on Wednesday, January 30^th at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, 715 Kirkman Street, Lake Charles.  Visitation will be held at the Church from 11am until the service begins.  The officiant will be the Reverend Francis “Boo” Kay.