C. Johnette Ney

C. Johnette Ward Ney, of Lake Charles, passed away on the day following her 96th birthday on Monday, March 24, 2025 in a local care facility.

Born on March 23, 1929, in Rocky Branch, Louisiana, Mrs. Ney was raised in Epps, where she graduated from high school. She was married to Walter C. Ward for 14 years and blessed with three boys who were her world.

At age 31 and a single mother, with her youngest only 3 years old, she decided to move to Monroe to attend Northeastern State University to pursue a teaching degree for the betterment of her family and to follow in her mother’s footsteps.

After completing her education, she moved to Lake Charles, Louisiana, where she was an active member of First Baptist Church. For nearly 30 years, she was a dedicated teacher at College Oaks Elementary School, Watkins Elementary School, and Moss Bluff Elementary School. Her passion for education touched the lives of countless students whom she loved all dearly.

While teaching, she was eager to further her education and received her master’s degree in education from McNeese State University.

At age 42, Johnette met the love of her life, Robert Ney and the two were married a year later. The couple moved to Moss Bluff where they hand built a beautiful home together. She and her husband became avid members of Moss Bluff United Methodist Church. She was an enthusiastic participant in the church’s activities, including singing in the choir, becoming a charter member of the church thrift store, and the quilting club. She was also a dedicated member of the Methodist Camping Club and served as the secretary-treasurer.

In addition to her community involvement, Mrs. Ney and her husband, Robert, enjoyed competing in square dancing competitions, a hobby that brought them much joy. Her creative talents were evident in her love of gardening, pottery-making, and painting. She was also a travel agent and a representative for Luzier cosmetics and skin care, where she shared her beauty expertise with others.

Those left to cherish her memory are her sons, Gerald D. Ward (Carolyn), Kevin W. Ward (Bediha), and Stephen K. Ward (Cynthia); grandchildren, Nic Barber (Jennifer), Marcus Ward, Joshua Ward (Caroline), Melissa Winder, Jessica Ward, Morgan Ward, and Amanda Temple (Cody), grandson in-law, Scott Neumann; great grandchildren, Kaiden Ward, Braven Ward, Berkley Wright, Charleigh Wright, Victoria Matte, Baylor Neumann, Micah Temple, Makena Temple, Maddox Temple, Wyle Winder, Nicholas Barber, Braxton Barber, Graham Barber, Evelyn Ward, James Ward, and Dylan Neumann.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Walter C. Ward; second husband, Robert Charles Ney; parents, Murphy and Mildred Crow; siblings, Joyce McComb, Evelyn Crow, Eloise Seale, Roberta Honeycut, and Bill Crow; granddaughter, Megan Ward; and a great granddaughter, Anjuli Kerlin.

Johnette loved her family, friends, students, and parishioners but her love for GOD was steadfast. She never wavered, loved to share His word, and praise His name. She was and forever will be His devoted disciple.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, March 29, 2025 in the Johnson Funeral Home chapel. Burial will follow in Old Ritchie Cemetery. Visitation will begin on Friday from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM and will continue on Saturday from 10:00 AM until the start of the service.