Wilda Thibodeaux

Wilda E. Thibodeaux, 89, passed away June 30, 2019, at The Arboretum of Winnie. She was born November 7, 1929, to Theoza Richard Thibodeaux and Enos Thibodeaux, Sr., in Mermentau Cove, Louisiana.

Wilda was the last of six children and lived her early life on the family farm in Mermentau Cove.In 1949, at the young age of 20, she moved to Winnie, TX, following the footsteps of two siblings. Among her first jobs, she worked as a waitress at Sam Smith’s Cafe. One of her favorite memories working there was serving gumbo to a very young George Jones, who was playing locally at the 73 Club.

Her next venture was working in a dry-cleaners, back in the day when picking up and delivering customers clothes were the norm. During the following years, she opened a feed store and three cleaners of her own. The last one was A-1 Cleaners, which she generously turned over to her niece because her feed store business was requiring most of her time. Somewhere in between the dry-cleaning business and Feed Store business, Wilda delivered The Beaumont Enterprise for many years.

Her longest career was her beloved Winnie Feed and Supply from which she retired in 1995. Being idle did not suit Wilda, so she started a commercial lawn service, mowing until the age of 80.

She was an avid supporter of area youth’s Chambers County Youth Project. In 1983 she was awarded “Most Improved Business” by The Woman’s Civic Club of Winnie. In 1986, Wilda was awarded the “Community Business Award”.

The greatest star in her crown was–helping others! No one will ever know how many people she helped in her community and family, the list is endless. Her most touching gift was in 1959 when her sister with three children became a widow. At the time, Wilda was living and working in Colquitt, Georgia. recognizing her sisters need, she returned to Winnie, moved into her sister’s home and was instrumental in raising the children and providing for the household.

Family meant everything to her. She loved visiting with family and friends. She had a huge circle with whom she was very faithful in keeping in touch with. Throughout her life she embraced her Cajun heritage of good food, music, and dancing. Her favorite hobby was listening and dancing to Cajun music. And talking was also high on her list of favorites!

She is preceded in death by her parents; four brothers, Leo Thibodeaux, Nelson Thibodeaux, Wilton (Tan) Thibodeaux, and Enos Thibodeaux Jr.; one sister, Mary Flossie Stutes; three nephews; and her longtime companion, Luby Pommier.

Wilda is survived by thirteen nieces and nephews; and many great-nieces and nephews.

She was a devoted and faithful member of St Louis Catholic Church.

No words can express the family’s gratitude to Danny Thompson, PA, Riceland Medical Center, Kindred Hospice, and the entire staff of The Arboretum, for the excellent care given to our Aunt.

A gathering of Wilda’s family and friends will begin at 9:00 a.m., with her Rosary recited at 10:00 a.m., Friday, July 5, 2019, at St. Louis Catholic Church, 315 West Buccaneer Drive, Winnie. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m., Friday, at St. Louis Catholic Church, Winnie, with her interment to follow at 3:30 p.m., at Istre Cemetery, Mermentau Cove, Louisiana, under the direction of Broussard’s, 134 West Buccaneer Drive, Winnie.

Memorial contributions made in Wilda’s memory to an organization of one’s choice.