Julia Francis Mere

Julia Francis Mancuso Mere, 79, passed away peacefully on August 17, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Julia was born in Lake Charles, Louisiana, on May 11, 1947, to Lucille Couvillion and Sam Mancuso.

Julia graduated from Lake Charles High School. She married the love of her life, Claby Mere Jr., on October 15, 1967, at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church. Julia worked for her family business, Mere Grocery, for over thirty years, where she handled payroll. She later retired from the Calcasieu Parish School Board, where she worked as an aide on handicap buses. Julia enjoyed quilting, reading, and working on puzzles. She also loved dancing the jitterbug with Claby. She cherished the time they spent together dancing. Most of all, she loved spending time with her family and friends. She was a devout Catholic and was a member of St. Martin de Porres.

Those left to cherish her memory are her loving husband of 58 years, Claby Mere Jr.; sons, Jeff Mere and wife Jessica, Joey Mere and wife Tracy, and Samuel “Sammy” Mere and wife Rachel; daughter in law, Dianne Ford; grandchildren, Kaleb, Noah, Adison, Steven, Savannah, Brayden, Tyler, Abby, Trinity, and Kinsley; great-grandchildren, Stella, Trenton, Hadlee, Korbin, and one on the way.

She is preceded in passing by her parents; son, Todd Mere; and brother, Salvadore Mancuso Jr.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church on Friday, August 21, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. Visitation will begin Thursday at Johnson Funeral Home from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and continue Friday from 11:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. A rosary will be recited Thursday at 6:00 p.m. Julia will be laid to rest at Consolata Cemetery.