Fleta Mayes

On February 16, 2022, Fleta Ann Duhon Mayes returned home to be with Jesus and Our Blessed Mother Mary. In the early morning hours, heaven experienced a joyful family reunion as Fleta was greeted at the Pearly Gates by her parents, Gibbs and Hester (Vincent) Duhon; her sisters: Willie (Noots) Redich, Doris (Reese) Parker, Lorraine (George) Veron, Dolores (E.P.) O’Malley; and her brothers: Royce (Dorothy) Duhon, and Gerald Duhon. Also there to greet Aunt Fleta were nephews: Donald Reese Parker, Ricky Parker, and Pat O’Malley.

Fleta was born on August 12, 1930. She started her career as a teller at Lake Charles Bank and Trust. Although the bank name went through several changes throughout the years (Gulf National Bank, Bank One, and Chase Bank), Fleta remained a loyal employee. She retired from the banking industry as Proof Department Supervisor with 42 years of service.

Fleta loved her church, family, and friends. Following in the footsteps of her own mother, she attended daily mass at Immaculate Conception Cathedral Church and had a special devotion to Our Blessed Mother Mary.

Although known as Fleta to most, Debbie and Buddy were blessed to call her “Momma.” She was a great example of strength and determination for all those around her. Fleta also enjoyed gardening and cooking for her family, including every Saturday when she could be found cooking gumbo for friend and cousin, Rusty Vincent.

Those left to cherish her memory are daughter Deborah (Mike) King and son David “Buddy” (Gayle) Mayes; six grandchildren: Johanna (Shane) Graishe, Kara (Kyle) Ferachi, Braden (Leslie) King, Darryn (Victoria) King, Daniel (Sonni) Mayes, and Sarah Mayes; 11 great-grandchildren: Ella and Ainsley Graishe, Reagan and Seth Ferachi, Collyn, Evan, and Ava King, Calia and Patrick Mayes, and Jordan and Ava Berryman; and 16 nieces and nephews.

A private ceremony for family was held on February 22, 2022 at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral Church under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home. Internment was at Consolata Cemetery. The family would like to thank Kinder Rehabilitation and Retirement Center and their wonderful staff for their excellent care and love for the “Resident Firecracker.” Also, thank you to Dr. Alex Courville, Dr. Jason Langhoffer, Dominique, Companion Care, and Brighton Bridge Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to your favorite charity in Fleta’s name.