Gyrthel Dewey Whiddon

Gyrthel Dewey Whiddon, 87, of Lake Charles passed away on Saturday, May 13, 2023 in her assisted living memory care home.

She was a graduate of LaGrange Senior High School and attended McNeese State University on a band scholarship. 

She worked as a Clerk at Graybar Electric Co., before becoming a stay-at-home mom.  She later worked as Maintenance Clerk for the Port of Lake Charles from which she retired. 

Gyrthel was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan, who was not to be interrupted while watching them play.  She also was a fan of McNeese Cowboys, the LSU Tigers and enjoyed rodeos.  She enjoyed working crossword puzzles, reading, setting out bird feeders and bird watching with hummingbirds and cardinals being her favorites.  Her grandchildren were the lights of her life.

Her joyful spirit will be most remembered in her smile, quick wit, and above all, her kindness. She never hesitated to help others in need. Her love for animals, particularly dogs, was evident to all who knew her.

She leaves to cherish her memory, two daughters, Janice Dewey Guidry and Sharon Whiddon Vincent (Shane) and daughter-in-law, Elizabeth “Liz” Dewey.  She also leaves grandchildren, Meagan Laviolette (Mason), Cody Schulze (Josie), Alexander Dewey, and one great-granddaughter, Paisley Rose Schulze, who will forever cherish their time with their beloved grandmother.

She was preceded in death by her husbands, Julius Mark “Buddy” Dewey and Jerry Wade Whiddon; her only son, Kevin Ray Dewey; parents, James Anatol Knight and Sunshine Young Knight and four siblings, Elaine Silliman, Ola Marie “Tincy” McClendon, James “Buddy” Knight, Jr. and Linda Kay Knight.

Funeral services will be at 1:00 PM on Thursday, May 18, 2023, at University United Methodist Church in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Rev. Charlie Langford will officiate. Interment services will follow in Newlin Cemetery in Singer, Louisiana. Visitation will be Thursday from 11:00 AM until the start of service at the church.

Memorial donations may be made to University Methodist Church Building Fund.