Lois Malbrough Johnwell

Lois Malbrough Johnwell, 84, of Lake Charles passed away at 2:20 PM on Saturday, December 28, 2024 in her residence.

Born on October 5, 1940, in Church Point, Louisiana, she was raised in the community where she attended school before moving to Fenton and eventually making Lake Charles her home 53 years ago. In her earlier years, Mrs. Johnwell began working with Mrs. Carter’s Catering business, showcasing her natural talent for baking. Her kitchen soon became a local hub where she lovingly baked cakes for birthdays, holidays, and other special occasions. She later began working for the city of Lake Charles, where she made history as one of the first black women to contract for the city of Lake Charles, La.

A proud member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Mrs. Johnwell was an active Christian Mother. A woman of many talents, she was known for her simplicity and ability to live off the land. She was a skilled seamstress and a master of farming, butchering animals for meat and picking vegetables from her garden, including okra.

Above all, Mrs. Johnwell was famous for her homemade treats—sweet potato pies, German Chocolate cakes, and lemon cakes—all made from scratch with love. Her kitchen was always open, and no one ever left hungry. She took great pride in her ability to nurture others, particularly her grandchildren, whom she cherished deeply, along with the many other children she lovingly cared for and helped raise.

Those left to cherish her memory are her loving husband of 66 years, Rayfield Johnwell; children, nieces and nephews Ricky Johnwell (Tammy) of Lake Charles, Loretta Sampy of Crowley, Billy Johnwell of Lake Charles, Scott Johnwell of Lake Charles, JoAnne Johnwell (Marcus Hargrove) of Lake Charles, and Michelle & husband Jason Cormier of Lake Charles; sisters, Theresa Pryce of Houston, Grace Esprit (Rufus) of Topsy, and Veronica Cluse of Crosby; and a host of grandchildren and great grandchildren, and one great great grandson.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Edna and Rudolph Malbrough, Sr.; daughter, Laura Johnwell; grandchildren, Stephen Sampy and Brayler Johnwell; and her siblings, Joseph Lee, Albert, Felton, Mervin, Adam, Rudolph Jr., Paul, John, and Peter Malbrough, Marylee Guillory, and Eva Pappillion.

A funeral mass will be held at 12:00 PM on Saturday, January 4, 2025 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Rev Fr. Jody Matthew to officiate. Burial will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home. Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM until leaving for the church at 11:30 AM with a rosary to be recited at 10:30 AM.