Billie Casanova

Billie Jo Mayer Casanova, born October 21, 1930, passed away on May 29th, 2022 at 91 years of age. She was the first Miss Opelousas and represented the Yambilee Festival before queens were chosen. Billie Jo was one of the founding members of the Opelousas General Grey Ladies, a volunteer group formed to assist hospitalized patients and staff. She was a past member of the Red Cross and served on the Men’s Lighthouse Mission Board. Billie and her husband Bob of 64 years traveled the country in their motor home after his retirement.  They loved to travel and visited every state in the continental US. She was frequently seen over the years by many walking the streets of Opelousas. She and Bob also lived for years in the mountains of their beloved second home, New Mexico before eventually returning back home to Opelousas.

She was preceded in death by her husband Robert T. Casanova, Sr., her mother, Nettie H. Chachere, her stepfather Eugene J. Chachere and two grandsons, Stephen Casanova and Robert Wilson. She is survived by her children, Jo Lyn Casanova Eller (Ray), Jean Claire Casanova, and Dr. Robert T. Casanova, Jr, (Julie). Billie Jo is survived by 10 grandchildren, Ted Villien (Tyra), Rachel Guidry (Marcel), Erin Nova, Adrienne Barnhill (Joshua), Carolyne Tate (Josh), Katelyn Casanova, Lindsey Casanova, Laura Casanova, Blake Pierce, and Drake Pierce, and 6 great grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Lauman Hall, La. Memorial Methodist Church, 510 E. Bellevue St., Opelousas, on Saturday, June 4th from 12-4pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to La. Memorial United Methodist Church in Opelousas or Mercy Ships.

Words of Comfort for the family may be expressed at www.sibillefuneralhomes.com. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Sibille Funeral Home of Opelousas.