Joseph Stephen

Opelousas- A funeral service will be held for Joseph “Gene” Eugene Stephen on Wednesday, February 10, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. in the Sibille Funeral Home Chapel. Father Greg Simien will officiate the service. Rite of Committal will follow at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Washington.

Gene, age 71, a resident of Opelousas, passed away on Friday, February 5, 2021 at Our Lady of Lourdes in Lafayette after a battle with COVID-19. His genuine joy of life and laughter touched everyone around him. Beloved by all, he was always happy to make a new friend. He had a passion for art, literature, and music—illuminated by his Bachelor's degrees in both English and Art Education obtained from Nicholls State University. He also shared and awakened these passions within his students throughout his many years of teaching at Northwest High School and the Magnet Academy for the Cultural Arts (MACA). In his free time, he enjoyed golfing, bowling, watching football, making art, and playing music. Perhaps one of his favorite things in the world was making people laugh, and his smiles were contagious. Everyone who knew him could see he was a doting father, a loving grandfather, an amazing brother, a joyful uncle, and a loyal friend. He will be dearly missed and forever held within our hearts.

He is survived by daughter, Cayman Anne Stephen of Northport, Alabama, brother, J.C. “Sonny” Stephen and his wife, Babette of Opelousas, sisters, Carol Stephen of Opelousas, Connie Marks and her husband, Johnny of Opelousas, and Paula Pierrottie and her husband, Greg of Lafayette, one grandson, Jackson Edward Gooding, host of nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, J. C., Sr. “Pop” and Hazel Stephen, brother, Johnny Stephen, sister- in- law, Mary Stephen and nephew, Scott Stephen.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 9, 2021 from 1:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. a rosary will be recited at 6:00 p.m. and visitation will resume at 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 10, 2021 until time of service at the Sibille Funeral Home in Opelousas.

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