Jennifer Bellon

Jennifer Ruth Icklone Bellon, 75, died peacefully on December 19, 2020.  She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Chuck, her son Dwayne Anthony (Scott) of Chicago, her daughter Monica Harn (Bill) of Beaumont, and grandson Hunter Bradshaw (Carolyn) of Atlanta.  She is also survived by her sister Patricia Melton (Walter), sisters-in-law Frankie Icklone and Sheryl Doga (Gary), brother-in-law Ernie Duplechin (Delores), and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents John and Lillie Belle Icklone, sisters Yvonne, Martha, and Georgette, brother John, Jr., and brother-in-law Don Duplechin.

Jennifer graduated from St. Charles Academy in 1963.  She later received a Bachelor’s degree in Special Education from Lamar University, Master’s degrees in Special Education and Administration and Supervision from McNeese State University, and a Master’s certification in religious education from Loyola University.

As the family moved, Jennifer taught in Beaumont, Texas, Ponce, Puerto Rico, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Houston, Texas before returning to Lake Charles.  It was here that she began her career in the Catholic school system as a teacher and assistant principal at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic School, from which she retired. Soon thereafter, she became principal of Holy Family Catholic School and remained there for ten years.

Jennifer was an advocate of all children, in particular children with special needs.  She spearheaded many initiatives to include children with autism and other disorders in the regular education classroom and school community.

Due to the pandemic, a funeral mass for the immediate family was held at St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home, with interment at Consolata Cemetery.  A celebration of her life will be held at a later date.