Jackie Marie Ellender

Jackie Marie Dugas Ellender, lovingly known as “Maw Maw” to her grandchildren, passed away peacefully on January 10, 2026, in Lake Charles, Louisiana, at the age of 94.

Jackie was born on December 20, 1931, in Ged, Louisiana, to Mary and Dallas Dugas. She was raised in Iowa, Louisiana, where she attended Iowa High School. She later relocated to Carlyss, Louisiana, where she built lifelong roots, raised her family, and became deeply woven into the community she proudly called home.

She was married for 69 years to the love of her life, James Wallace Ellender, Sr., and together they made their home in Carlyss, creating a place where family always gathered and felt welcome. A lifelong Baptist, Jackie was a devoted member of Southside Baptist Church and later Trinity Baptist Church, living out her faith through service, kindness, and devotion to her family.

Jackie dedicated many years to supporting her children and the agriculture program at Sulphur High School, where she served as an FFA mother and was honored as FFA Mother of the Year. She also spent many years lovingly caring for her great-grandson, Gunnar Higdon, a role that brought her joy and purpose.

Nothing brought Maw Maw greater happiness than her family. She deeply loved her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren and treasured time spent with them, her sister, and her many nieces and nephews. She was especially known for hosting large holiday gatherings, particularly Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve, filling her home with plenty of food, laughter, stories, and lasting memories. A special favorite at these gatherings was her secret-recipe pineapple-filled cake with its unforgettable icing.

In her later years, Jackie formed special friendships at Sage Oaks, where she brought smiles to residents and staff alike – and earned her well-known title as the Bingo champion.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Mary and Dallas Dugas; her husband, James Wallace Ellender, Sr.; her sister, Claire Mae “Kaye” Lieke (Homer); her brother, Warren Dugas; her daughter, Karen Higdon Nickles(Lonnie); her great-granddaughter, Alli Higdon; her former son-in-law, Mike Higdon, and Boodro, her long-time four-legged friend.

She is survived by her son, James Jay Ellender, Jr. (Connie); her sister, Johnnie Belle “Nonnie” Dugas Stelly (Harry); six grandchildren: Misty White, Rory Ellender(Shonda), Michael Higdon(Cheryl), Jonathan Higdon, Sarah Higdon(Kelly), and Jayme Ellender(Monica); eight great-grandchildren: Tyler Ellender, Evan Ellender, Gunnar Higdon, Rene Butterfield, Grace Higdon, Kolt Klein, Koraline Klein, and Dietrich Ellender; two great-great-grandchildren: Mia and Ava Butterfield; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 16, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 301 Center Circle, Sulphur, Louisiana. Visitation will be from 12:00 noon until the time of service at 2:00 p.m., also at Westminster Presbyterian Church. Burial will follow at Mimosa Pines Carlyss. Pall bearers will be grandsons and great-grandsons with great-great grandsons being Honorary pall bearers.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the management, staff, caregivers, and friends of Sage Oaks (Buildings 1 and 3) and to St. Joseph’s Hospice for their compassionate care.