Mary Enola Chenier

Mary Enola Chenier, 95, passed away on May 4, 2026 leaving behind a life filled with care, warmth, and devotion to those around her.

Mary was known as an incredible baker and a fantastic cook. Baking was her true passion, and she shared that gift with everyone she loved. She also enjoyed traveling and never missed an opportunity to be with her family. Time spent with her cousins was especially dear to her, and she treasured every gathering.

She moved to Lake Charles at a young age and made it her home. Mary was a skilled seamstress who loved being behind her sewing machine. She also enjoyed crocheting, creating doilies for lamps and decorative pieces for her home. She had a true gift for making things with her hands, and everything she made carried a piece of her heart.

Mary adored her four boys and took great pride in being their mother. She worked hard to keep peace in her home and among those she loved. After the passing of her husband, Mary continued to care for others by sitting with those who needed companionship. Many of them came to call her not just a helper, but a true friend.

She had a warm and loving spirit that made people feel special. Even a simple trip to the grocery store would often turn into a social visit, as Mary seemed to know everyone she met. She also had a green thumb and found joy in tending to her flowers.

Some of her family's favorite meals included her beef roast with rice gravy and potato salad, as well as her smothered turnips with meatballs. She was always cooking or baking something to share, making sure no one ever went without.

She is survived by her sons, John Mathew Chenier, Gregory Chenier, and Mark Chenier (Carla); her grandchildren, Caylee Chenier, Candis Chenier Gradney (Zachary), Channon Chenier, Brandon Chenier (Alisha), Jeremy Chenier (Ashlynn), Desario Johnson, and Shonda Ceasar; her step-grandchildren, Keisha Bowman, Mandy Whidbee (Andre), Henry Hunt V (LaQuinta), and Skylar K. Hunt; her great-grandchildren, Camden Gradney, Lyric Chenier, Rylee Chenier, Alaysia Chenier, Jeremiah Chenier and Kyra Brown; her sisters, Paula Thibodeaux, Effie Batiste (Terry), and Drusella Eaglin; sister-in-laws Verley Thibodeaux and Joyce Thibodeaux; her daughter-in-law, Carolyn Chenier Henry; and a host of extended family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John Raymond Chenier; her son, Patrick Lee Chenier; her parents, Mitchell and Yola Thibodeaux; her brothers, Caston "T-Boo," Irving "Bobby," and Mitchell Jr.; brother-in-law Joseph Eaglin; her daughter-in-law, Mary Elaine Chenier; and her best friend, Bessie Medlow.

A funeral mass will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, May 15, 2026, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Lake Charles, Louisiana, with burial to follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery. Visitation will be held the same day from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Johnson Funeral Home in Moss Bluff, with a rosary beginning at 10:00 a.m.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Grand Cove Nursing Home, Lake Charles Memorial Hospital, and Harbor Hospice for their care and compassion over the years. As well as Acadian Ambulance Service, and Fresenius Kidney Care Service for their support.

The repast will take place at Immaculate Heart of Mary founders Hall after services.

Mary will be remembered for her kindness, her steady presence, and the love she gave so freely to her family and friends.