Marjorie Lou Bourgeois

Marjorie Lou Ray Bourgeois, 84, passed away peacefully in her Baton Rouge home on August 28, 2010, with her beloved daughters at her side.

Born in Somerville, Tennessee to James Lewis and Margaret Elizabeth Shackelford Ray, Mrs. Bourgeois lived most of her life in Lake Charles. She was the Administrator of Calcasieu Association for Retarded Citizens/ Calcasieu Hope Centers for 22 years. As a result of a meeting with former Governor Edwin W. Edwards wherein the needs of the handicapped were discussed, Mrs. Bourgeois was able to secure the first handicapped ramp in Lake Charles.

Mrs. Bourgeois was a lifetime member of Trinity Baptist Church, where she was Sunday School Pre-School Coordinator. She wrote the Sunday School Teachers' Guide for four- and five-year old teachers for the Southern Baptist Convention and also mentored teachers of children of that age group. She was a compassionate, loving and dedicated child of God.

Mrs. Bourgeois is survived by two daughters, Merry Jane Bourgeois and Joan Elease Bourgeois, both of Baton Rouge, and a host of friends. She was preceded in death by her husband of 37 years, O. J. Bourgeois.

Graveside services will be held at 10:30 AM on Tuesday August, 31, 2010, at Prien Memorial Park under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home. Bro. Larry Ramsour will officiate.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Calcasieu Association for Retarded Citizens, Marjorie Bourgeois Scholarship Fund, 4100 Sen. J. Bennett Johnston Avenue, Lake Charles, LA 70615; Trinity Baptist Church TK's Place Building Fund, 1800 Country Club Road, Lake Charles, LA 70605; or Louisiana College Special Education Scholarship Fund, 1140 College Drive, Pineville, LA 71360.

Heartfelt thanks are expressed to many dear friends and Generations Hospice of Baton Rogue, owners and staff, for their tender, loving and Christian care.