Jennie Lee Cortez (Deville)

Opelousas-Funeral services will be held for Jennie Lee Cortez Deville, on Sunday, May 19, 2024 in the Sibille Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow in the Bellevue Memorial Park Cemetery in Opelousas. Visitation will be held on Sunday, May 19, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. util 3:00 p.m. with a Rosary to be prayed at 2:30 p.m. in the funeral home chapel.

Jennie Lee Cortez Deville, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend to many, passed away on May 8th, 2024 in New Orleans, Louisiana. She was born on May 15th, 1935 in Lawtell, Louisiana, living most of her life in Opelousas, Louisiana and residing in Lafayette, Louisiana in her latest years. She  was known to have a strong work ethic and an unwavering commitment to family.

Jennie's life was one of love and service. She found joy in the simple things - tending to her garden with care and nurturing it into a beautiful oasis of color and life. She used much from her garden in her cooking. Her culinary skills were unmatched; she could turn the simplest ingredients into a feast fit for royalty. Jennie's passion for recycling extended beyond just environmental consciousness; she saw value where others might not and had an uncanny ability to repurpose items into something new and beautiful. Jennie attributed many of these traits to her French, Spanish, and Native American heritage.

It seemed as though fortune smiled upon her wherever she went, especially when it came to Bingo and Slots, her guilty pleasure. But more than anything else, Jennie cherished the time spent socializing with loved ones - hosting gatherings that brought together family, friends, and neighbors for fun-filled evenings that created memories that will last forever.

In quieter moments, Jennie enjoyed maintaining her bird feeders, playing cards or watching movies - especially Westerns which always held a special place in her heart. One of her many talents were as a seamstress. She was a creative craftswoman who could sew or crochet anything imaginable from clothing to blankets to purses – all made with love for those closest to her heart.

Professionally, Jennie dedicated herself as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) working tirelessly within hospitals caring for patients during their most vulnerable times. Later transitioning into home care where she provided comfort at countless families' bedsides during their final journeys. She had a tender heart for all those in need.

The loss of Jennie leaves behind an unfillable void, but also serves as a reminder of how deeply she touched each person fortunate enough to have known her. Her legacy lives on through the memories shared by those whose lives were enriched because they knew this extraordinary woman.

As we mourn our loss today let us also celebrate the incredible life lived by Jennie Lee Cortez Deville – may we honor her memory by carrying forward the values of love, compassion, forgiveness, perseverance, patience, integrity, generosity, selflessness, gratitude, kindness, and understanding.

Jennie is survived by her children:Ronald Deville (Celeste Deville), Darryle Deville, Barbara Moncrief (James Moncrief), Brenda Deville, Priscilla Nezat (David Nezat), and Jennifer Hauck. Her grandchildren: Fred Deville (Rose Deville), Christin Deville, Nicholas Doucet, Brittany Trosclair, Emily Trosclair, Brooke Abshire, Jonathan Deville, Matthew Deville, Elizabeth Deville, Joshua Hauck, Jonah Hauck, and Jacob Hauck. Her great grandchildren: Aidan Harden, Landon Guidroz, Angelique Deville, Arya Nabonne, Maximus Mekari, Lucy Abshire, Hadley Abshire, and Arielle Doucet.

Jennie is preceded in death by:Her parents Emily Verette Cortez and Arthur Cortez. Her late ex husband Joseph Inis Deville. Her siblings Sue Cortez, Mostie Smith Cortez “Mosah”, Irene Cortez, Mae Cortez / Armadine Ledoux, John Cortez, Dudley Cortez, Joe Cortez, Eugene Cortez, Chester Cortez, Charles Cortez, and Floyd Cortez.

The impact of this remarkable woman extends far beyond these names; it reaches out through generations touched by her kindness and wisdom.