Mary "Susie" Frances Phillips DeRouen

Mary “Susie” Frances Phillips DeRouen, 78, passed away on Thursday, December 5, 2024, surrounded by loving family. Susie was born on September 27, 1946, to parents Mervyn Mary Bouquet Phillips and Ralph Leonard Phillips II.

Susie and her husband, Darrell, founded Darrell’s in 1985, a beloved establishment known for its po’boys and sports bar. She was an excellent cook, known for her rice and gravy and gumbos. Susie was also a gracious hostess, enjoying holidays and parties with friends and family. She treasured girls’ weekends and playing Boo Ray with her close friends. Susie had a deep love for giving, supporting both local and national causes, and always found joy in donating and giving back. She was known for always being put together, with a love for red lipstick and regular visits to the beauty shop. Susie was a devout Christian and family woman always there for her children and especially her grandchildren.

Susie is survived by her daughters, Dawn Renee Crum and Vicki Ann LeBleu; grandchildren, Priscilla LeBleu, Tyler Benoit (Julie), Austin Benoit, Madeline LeBleu, Conway LeBleu, and Paris Benoit; great-grandchildren, Penelope, Oliver, and Rory; siblings, Ralph “Boo Boo” Phillips III (Kathy), Kathy Stemmann (Ralph), Tommy Phillips, and Robert “Robbie” Phillips; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, Darrell DeRouen; grandchild, Victoria Rae DeRouen; brother, Jimmy Phillips; and parents.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Johnson Funeral Home, 4321 Lake St., Lake Charles, LA 70605. Visitation will take place on Monday, December 9, 2024, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Johnson Funeral Home. Visitation will also be held from 9:00 AM Tuesday until the time of service. A rosary will be recited at 10:30 AM on Tuesday.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Split Second Foundation https://www.splitsecondfoundation.org/ . It is a foundation that delivers comprehensive care, resources, education and advocacy to those affected by disabilities.