Katherine "Ducky" Bel Brewer

Katherine ‘Ducky’ Garrison Brewer passed away peacefully in her hometown of Lake Charles on Sunday evening, June 9, 2024. She was 82 years old.

Ducky, born on September 6, 1941, to Marie Bel Gardiner and David Lacey Garrison Sr., spent her early childhood alongside her brother, David Lacey Garrison Jr., in the Harry C. Hanszen House on Lazy Lane in Houston, Texas. Later, they returned to Lake Charles, where they resided at the Governor’s Mansion before purchasing their family home at 321 Wilson Avenue. Ducky attended Louisiana State University, where she was a Tri Delta. She also attended Delta Business School, where she earned an Associate’s Degree in Business. She and her husband, Ronald Frederic Brewer, married on April 2, 1960, and raised four children: Katherine Bel Brewer, Karen Leslie Brewer, Lacey Elizabeth Brewer, and Andrew Martin Brewer. Ducky is preceded in death by her parents, Marie and David, her brother, David, her husband, Ronald, two daughters, Karen and Kate, and her granddaughter, Angela Marie Euliarte. She is survived by her remaining children, Lacey and Andrew, as well as her beloved grandchildren: Michael Anthony Mancuso (Carey), Lauren Ashley Olmsted and Megan Katherine Mancuso Clement (Ryan). Additionally, she leaves behind three beautiful great- granddaughters: Marie Bel Mancuso, Katherine James Clement, and Caroline Ryan Clement as well as a soon-to-be-born great-grandson, Benjamin.

Ducky is also survived by her caretaker and best friend, Kathy Jourdan Jefferson. Kathy’s family has cared for Ducky and her family for five generations. For the past 18 years, Kathy has filled Ducky’s life with love and laughter, and Ducky’s grandchildren will be forever grateful for the quality of life the LeMelle and Jourdan families have given their dear Granny. Renowned for her generosity, Ducky supported numerous charities and organizations, including St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School, Imperial Calcasieu Museum, Louisiana Law Enforcement Association, Wounded Warrior Project, Disabled American Veterans, The Texas Heart Institute, Arbor Day Foundation, Louisiana Public Broadcasting, The Lake Charles Fire Department and New Beginnings Church of God in Christ. She was also a member of The Junior League, Daughters of the American Revolution, Les Dilettantes and the Garden Club of Lake Charles.

Ducky lived a full life, steeped in love and cherished friendships. Her passions included entertaining, history, reading, decorating, crawfish season, cheering on LSU and watching The Bachelor with her BFF, Kathy. She delighted in travel, especially to Europe, and welcomed every opportunity to celebrate her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Always a gracious host, Ducky was eagerly anticipating her 65th high school reunion this month for the Lake Charles High, Class of ’59. Although she won’t be able to host the event, she is currently having quite the reunion of her own. Ducky’s friends and family find solace in knowing that she has been reunited with so many beloved family members and friends who preceded her. She will forever remain a beacon of grace, kindness and generosity and will be deeply missed by those fortunate enough to know her. A visitation will be held on Friday, June 14, 2024 at Johnson Funeral Home of Lake Charles at 11:00 AM until 1:45 PM, followed by a graveside service at 2:00 pm at Consolata Cemetery with Elder Derrick Gallien officiating. In lieu of flowers, please honor Ducky’s legacy of giving by donating to Tabitha’s Closet at https://nbministry.com/ or to the charity of your choice.