Bernice Dowden

Bernice (Bea) Dowden, born Lantier, age 91, passed away on January 29, 2018 as a result of Congestive Heart Failure. Bea’s husband, Don, passed in 2008 after a marriage of thirty-seven years. At the time of her passing, Bea was a resident of Brookdale Assisted Living in Lake Charles since July 26, 2017

She is survived by two sons, Richard G. Richard (wife Carolyn Elliott Richard) of San Antonio and J. Keith Bergeron of Lake Charles; and three daughters, Brenda Lee (husband David) of Houston, Sue Bergeron of Lake Charles, and Paula Byrne of Houston.

Bea was blessed with five grandchildren, Troy Conover of Cedar Park, TX, Damon Richard (deceased) of San Antonio, Deborah Richard of Spring, TX, Christopher Bourque of Houston, and Jessica Ginn of Houston. She was the great-grandmother of four: Courtney, Blake, and Avery Conover of Cedar Park and Christopher Brendon James (BJ) Ginn of Houston.

Bea was preceded in death by her parents, Leonard and Anatolia Lantier; three brothers, George, Bennett and Eldridge Lantier; and two sisters, Vinice LeJeune and Lorraine Fontenot.

Bea’s parents were sharecroppers who worked a farm in Iota, LA. She often told stories of riding their wagon to school and to church. She grew up in a family rich with love for each other. This strong familial love remained with her throughout her life, expressed through her commitment to put her children first in many of her decisions.

She grew up in Iota and Eunice, and in 1957 moved to Lake Charles. She worked for Avis Car Rental for many years before retiring to care for her husband and to spend time with her children, her grandchildren, and her great-grandchildren.

Aside from her family, Bea had many people who loved her dearly and will miss her. She was a person who gave to others before she took anything for herself. All of us will remember her love for the game of Bourré, which stayed with her for at least 70 years of her life.

Following cremation, a private memorial service will be held at Johnson Funeral Home.