Renella Landry Babin DeLoney

Renella Landry Babin DeLoney, age 91, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, in Conroe, Texas. Born on April 19, 1932, in Port Arthur, Texas, to Rita (Begnaud) and Paul Fernand Landry, Renella’s early life was marked by resilience. Renella’s mother died when she was three days old. Her paternal grandparents raised her in Louisiana until the age of four when her father married her cherished “other” mother, Mertice Lee, and she returned to Port Arthur.

Renella’s educational journey included graduating from Bishop Byrne High School and Port Arthur Business College. Her career flourished at Port Arthur City Hall, where she served as the secretary to the City Manager.

In 1954, Renella married Lee Carl Babin, and the couple moved to Groves, Texas. Together, they became parents to Janet Ellen and James Lee. Renella’s commitment to public service continued at Port Neches City Hall, where she retired in 1989, achieving the position of City Secretary.

A woman of many talents, Renella was actively involved in church choirs and directed the renowned group “Les Chanteurs Acadiens du Texas,” sharing hymns and folk music in French. Her passion for quilting led her to join the Golden Triangle Quilt Guild, where she garnered numerous accolades, including a coveted 1st place ribbon at the 1987 international show in Houston, Texas.

In 2003, after the losses of her first husband and daughter, Renella found love and companionship with long-time friend, Jim DeLoney. They shared a beautiful marriage, embracing life’s adventures, traveling, and building cherished memories with their extended families. Settling in Lumberton, Texas, in 2009, Renella expressed contentment with her garden home, affectionately referring to it as too perfect to leave.

She is survived by her son, James Lee Babin and wife, Derrilyn of Montgomery, Texas; grandchildren, Jeremy Babin and wife, Kim, Casey Babin and husband, Jon Mehrpore, and Sarah Pace; great-grandchildren, Nevaeh Sampson, Lillie Briggs, James Christopher Babin, and Eliza Grace Babin. Renella is also survived by her sister, Roberta Hebert; brother, David Landry and wife, Lynette; several nieces and nephews; and beloved “bonus” children: Janis and Charles (Buzzy) Bounds, Jennifer and Craig Vilce, Julie and Ken Dorris, and James and Glenda DeLoney, along with seven grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.

Renella is preceded in death by her parents, Lee Carl Babin, Janet Babin Pace, and Jim DeLoney.

Mrs. DeLoney’s cremation arrangements will be handled through Broussard’s Crematorium, Beaumont, under the direction of Broussard’s, 505 North 12^th Street, Nederland.

Renella Landry Babin DeLoney’s legacy is one of strength, love, and creativity, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of all who knew her. May she rest in eternal peace.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sky High for Kids, 9800 Richmond Avenue, Suite 335, Houston, Texas, 77042; https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/renella-landry-babin-deloney?utm_source=copyLink&utm_medium=fundraising&utm_content=renella-landry-babin-deloney&utm_campaign=pfp-share&utm_term=691062d942544ba5b871becabff07440.