Mattie Mae Parker Dugas

“Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil.”

Mattie Mae “Babe” Dugas was called home to her Heavenly Father on April 11, 2026. Mattie was born on August 18,1931 in Oakdale, Louisiana. She attended both elementary and high school there. Mattie became a Christian at an early age and became a member of Oakdale First Baptist Church. After graduating, she moved to Lafayette to attend USL (ULL now). There she met and three years later married her sweetheart, Elridge Dugas. Since he had joined the Marines there were some years of travel stateside before they returned to Lake Charles to live and raise a family. They adopted their first child, Philip Andre’ and their family became faithful members of St. Micheal and All Angels Episcopal Church. Six years later they adopted their second child, Suzette Marie “Susie.”

Along with being a mom full time, Mattie was always active in various organizations, one of which was the church women’s group of the ECW Diocesan Board. She served in many capacities in that group including chairman, treasurer, and President. Life took them to Baton Rouge after their children were grown, where they became members of St Luke’s Episcopal Church. Of course she became active there also, serving with Altar Guild, choir, and the women’s group.

Mattie was also active in the United Daughters of the Confederacy, Joanna Waddel Chapter of Baton Rouge, serving again in various positions, including a time as Chapter President. She enjoyed keeping the history of Louisiana alive and the camaraderie of other ladies at that time.

In 2015, with her immediate family gone and major back surgery being completed, Mattie returned to Sulphur to be close to her family. And of course, she immediately became active at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church with the altar guild. When she wasn’t able to do a lot of work at the church, she would take the linens and laboriously clean and iron them for the services. She also moved her UDC membership to the Calcasieu Chapter and remained active there as long as possible.

Mattie was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Elridge Dugas Jr., her daughter Suzette Marie “Susie,” her son, Philip Andre’, her sister, Mary Jo Parker Ballard, her mother, Rena Mary, and her Father, William Phillip “Bill” Parker.

She is survived by many nieces and nephews who loved her dearly, including Mary Ann Babaz (Carlos), Bill Ballard, Bryan Ballard (Kymberly), Paul David (Juanita), Gerald David (Tressa), Karen Faber (Kyle), Dale Broussard (Mary), Michael Broussard (Loretta), Sandra Myers (Jerry), 22 great nieces and nephews, and several great-great nieces and nephews.

Services for Mattie will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, April 25th, 2026 at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, Sulphur, LA. Reverends Paul White and Countess West will be officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until time of service.

The family extends heartfelt appreciation to Heart of Hospice for their compassionate care as well as those at Calcasieu Community Care Center who were directly responsible for her care.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Holy Trinity Church or United Mitochondrial Foundation (UMDF).