India Minton Billeaud
India Minton Billeaud, 83, of Beaumont, died Wednesday, June 30, 2021, after a valiant battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. She was born November 5, 1937, in Mississippi and while her formative years were meager, she made it her life’s mission to continue educating herself in a manner that warranted that she be taken seriously at a time when that was not the norm. And boy, did she command respect and attention-just ask her kids and grandkids!
In the early 1960’s, through her passion for knowledge and advancing herself she landed a job at Key Book Shop which she enjoyed so much as a voracious reader. All the while balancing home life and raising two young children who were involved in everything from rodeos to dance lessons and millions of things in between. Prior to her retirement, India successfully managed several busy medical practices for some of Beaumont’s finest physicians, with whom she shared mutual respect and admiration. While her management style was a “no nonsense” approach, she always fought for the benefit of her employees and championed their successes.
India was a strong woman who never had a problem speaking her mind and was never timid about offering her opinion, but she loved with just as much compassion and vehemence! She was always willing to help someone and offer support, rarely giving up on anyone as she could always find goodness in everyone. India mentored so many through her involvement as a Bible Study Fellowship Leader and an Al-Anon advocate, always availing herself to everyone by offering a sympathetic ear and an open heart.
India is preceded in death by her mother, Lola; her siblings, Johnny, Billy and Ann, the father of her children and former spouse, Horace Minton. She is survived by her loving husband, A. C. Billeaud; her children, Stephen Horace Minton, Maris Mehaffy and son-in-law, Jim, and her forever daughter, Lynea; grandchildren, Stephanie Battle (Doug), Haylee Faggard, Tyler Minton, Tom and Pat Mehaffy and Elizabeth Winslow; and great-grandchildren, Rylee, Reese and Reid Battle.
A heartfelt thank you to all of India’s extended family of caregivers at Pelican Bay Assisted Living who have so lovingly and selflessly cared for her for almost nine years.
India lived her life with tenacity and grit and certainly left us all with lots of examples and standards, but mostly with lessons about courage and compassion. We invite all who loved her to join “Team Unforgettable India” at the Walk to End Alzheimer’s beginning at 8:00 a.m., Saturday, October 16, 2021, at the Event Centre, 700 Crockett Street, Beaumont, in celebration of her life. The most beautiful way to honor our beloved India is through a simple gesture of kindness and helping someone in need, because that is how she lived!https://act.alz.org/site/TR/Walk2021/TX-HoustonampSoutheastTexas?fr_id=14799&pg=entry.
Her cremation arrangements will be handled through Broussard’s Crematorium under the direction of Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association of Southeast Texas, 700 North Street, Suite M, Beaumont, Texas 77701.
Please observe social distancing guidelines. By attending any public event you are acknowledging the risk of exposure to the Corona Virus. Please follow the guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control: cdc.gov.
We invite all who loved her to join “Team Unforgettable India” at the Walk to End Alzheimer’s
We invite all who loved her to join “Team Unforgettable India” at the Walk to End Alzheimer’s
- 700 Crockett Street, Beaumont, Texas 77701
- 10/16/2021
- 12:17 pm
Comments
Debbie Bishop
My thoughts are with you , Maris
Christine Sanders Juckett
Maris. I am thinking about you and your sweet mother..
Lou Huber
Sweet Maris, Sending lots of love and prayers to you. and your family.
Juanita B Kahla
My prayers are with you and your family. I loved your Mom. She and I traveled to Spain and had a wonderful time.
Tassie P Marceaux
India made such a huge impact in my life!! Always full of spiritual knowledge and the right thing to say, when it needed to be said! I will remember her forever and lift your family up in prayer!
Carol Corbin
I was a customer of Key Book Shop in the late 1960's and early 1970's and well recall the elegant presence of Ms. Minton. I am sorry to read of her passing. Please accept my condolences.
Diane Cannon
I loved your Mom! She was a special friend!!
Jim Brocato
Maris, You are in my thoughts and prayers . You took great care of your mom. She was such a delightful person when I would see her at the dr ‘s office. God bless you! Jim
Gale Talbot
Maris, What a wonderful friend she was to me & so many more. I cherish the 4:30 am walks with her & Carol. - walking, talking & laughing. Keeping you & your entire family in our prayers.
Sandra Melton
I have fond memories of working with India when she joined the College Street location of Eye Centers of Southeast Texas, I work at the Plaza 10 Drive location. I can still see us rewriting the Employee Handbook for both offices. She was a very dedicated individual truly concerned for the employees. She was an honest caring lady with high goals and set on making them happen. I appreciate knowing and being a friend of India. She is with God now. Bless her.
Patty Burmeister
India was a lovely person. I worked with her and then we became friends. Maris and Steve I am sorry for the loss of your Mother. I will keep you in my prayers.
Bill and Jackie Holton
Maris, Bill and I send our love and sympathy in the passing of your mom. We admired and loved her so much; and Bill enjoyed the friendship of your dad in his later years. India blessed so many lives with her positive attitude and personal attention. And I can hear them at the pearly gates as she enters .... ."well done my good and faithful servant".
mary ledyard
Sending love, hugs, and prayers to you and your family.
Sandra Womack
Maris and family, so sorry for your loss. Prayers for the family.
BECKI HALEY
Steve and Maris, I am so sorry to hear of your sweet Mom's passing. I have such fond memories of being with your family while I was growing up. Your parents were very dear to me and your Mom was like my second Mom... Again, please accept my deepest heartfelt condolences.......I could not begin to tell you how much 'coffee drinking my mom did with your parents, LOL, ... Becki Haley, daughter of the late Thelma Haley of Vidor, Texas
Jeanette Sterling
Maris, prayers for you & your family during this sad time in the loss of your Mom.!
Amy Morris
Maris, I have sweet memories of your sweet mom and all of us at dinner at The. Beaumont Country Club. Sending you, Haylee and your entire family huge hugs and much love.
Ruth Sonnier
Maris, I am so sorry for the loss of your mother. She was a very sweet lady. I know she will be missed. I love you and will be praying for you and family. ?
Cindy Dorsey
Maris, I was so heartbroken to hear my sweet Ms. B passed. Our very first resident at Pelican Bay! My heart and love are with all of you. I’ve always admired what a devoted and sweet daughter you are. May God’s loving arms wrap around you to give you peace and comfort during this difficult time and beyond. Please give AC my love too.
Letha Miller
Maris. I am so sorry to hear about India's passing.. She was such a wonderful part in my life, l loved her so much and she blessed my life in so many ways. She will live in my heart forever. My prayers to you and the family.
D’anne McGown
Maris, thoughts and prayers to you and your family on the loss of your dear mother.
Jeri Chesser
Maris, Sending my heartfelt sympathy and love to all the family. Your mom and I shared a friendship that was precious beyond measure. I loved her dearly!
Denise Vidrine
Maris I was so sad to hear of the passing of my sweet and lovable Mrs. B. She was the most kindest , beautiful and loving person I have ever met. Caring for her at Pelican Bay was such a honor. I will always think of her as my assistant and miss her little kisses. You and your family are in my prayers . A.C. was such a caring husband. Love to all your family.!
Charlotte Fontenot
Maris…I savor the memories of us both being with our moms at the 3 pm “happy hour” Friday afternoons at Pelican Bay drinking “jug” wine and “wheelchair” dancing with our moms.. All the love and attention you shared with my mom will never ever be forgotten. For any of you that know Maris and did not know her mom…the reason Maris is so loving and compassionate and a “charm” of a friend to all is because that is the way India was and the way she brought up her daughter… Love and kisses to you Maris and know that I am in awe of the loving and caring you gave your Mom during the last years of her life.
Carole Garner
So sorry to hear about India. She was very special and a great example. Enjoyed our times at Westgate church of Christ when we lived in Beaumont.