Joyce Richard

Joyce Gertrude LeBlanc Richard, 78, of Lake Charles, LA died at 9:40 AM on Wednesday, December 21, 2011 in a local care facility.

Mrs. Richard was born November 27, 1933 in Labadieville, LA and was a graduate of Assumption High School. She attended Spencer Business College in New Orleans and graduated from Louisiana State University School of Journalism in News / Editorial and Southern University Law Center in Baton Rouge, where she received her Juris Doctorate. She was a member of numerous school clubs and a member of the Louisiana Bar Association. She worked for the U. S. Department of Agriculture as a secretary for a number of years and following her graduation from law school, she worked as an Immigration Lawyer for the Department of Justice Office of Immigration Law Review in Oakdale for ten years. She did pro-bono work to assist the Catholic Diocese with Visas and Greencards for their clergy. Mrs. Richard also worked part-time with the Southwest Legal Services. She was a member of St. Raphael Catholic Church and spent many hours as a volunteer with the Catholic Charities of Southwest Louisiana. She enjoyed reading and learning, dancing, jogging, hiking, photography and painting.

Mrs. Richard is survived by her children, Donna Matthews and husband Gary F. of Iowa, Annette Richard of Sunset, LA, Rex Paul Joseph Richard, Jr. and wife Lisa of Jacksonville, FL, and Clarissa R. Leamer of Iowa, LA; sister, Betty Riveire of Thibodaux, LA; brother, Billy LeBlanc and wife Marlene of Greenwell Springs, LA; grandchildren, Rachael McFarlain, Crystal Matthews, James T. Leamer, Jr., Ashley Hartman, Shannon Richard, Holly Reams; her beloved dogs, Bo and Jolie; and ten great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Rex Paul Joseph Richard, Sr.; parents, Anthony and Leola LeBlanc; and great-grandchild, Payton Star McFarlain.

Her funeral service will be at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, December 27, 2011 at St. Raphael Catholic Church. Father Carlos Garcia will officiate. Burial will follow in Lacassine Cemetery. Visitation will be at Johnson Funeral Home on Monday from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM with a rosary at 7:00 PM. Visitation will continue on Tuesday at the funeral home from 8:00 AM to 1:15 PM.

The family would like to express a special word of thanks to all who had a special part in her care.