Iretta Chapman Meeker

Mary Iretta Chapman Meeker, 81, of Lake Charles, LA, passed away on Sunday, October 15, 2017, in her home after a two year battle with cancer. Iretta was born on January 25, 1936, to Yorick and Emily Bertrand Chapman in Ville Platte, LA.

After moving to the Lake Charles area in the 1950’s, Iretta was able to pursue her love for ballroom dancing. She worked as an instructor for the Fred Astair Dance Studio and the Arthur Murry Dance Studio. Iretta also performed in National Ballroom Dance Competitions. Iretta worked as a bookkeeper for the Millwright Local and the Operator’s Local where she also worked as an operator. Before retiring, Iretta worked as a security officer.

Iretta is preceded in death by her parents and her brother Lanray Chapman. Those left to cherish her memory are her children, Sue Landreneau and “son-in-law” James Benoit, Cindy Meeker of St. Francisville, LA and Robert Meeker and wife Cally of Georgetown, TX. She will also be missed by her life-long friend Lillian Frensley.

The family will receive friends at Johnson Funeral Home on Wednesday, October 18, from 5-9PM with a Rosary being said at 6PM. Visitation will continue at the funeral home on Thursday, October 19 from 9AM-1:30PM. A Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady Queen of Heaven at 2PM, officiated by Msgr. Daniel Torres assisted by Deacon George Carr. Burial will follow at Consolata Cemetery.

The family would like express a special thank you to Callie East with Amedisys Hospice, who went above and beyond to provide loving care for their mother.