Sunrise: 1946 | Sunset: November 3, 2026

OPELOUSAS, LA – A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, November 13, 2026, at Holy Ghost Catholic Church, 732 N. Union Street, Opelousas, Louisiana, for Mrs. Willie Mae Young, age 80, who entered eternal rest on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at Capital Nursing Home in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

The Reverend Father Justin Arockiasamy, SVD, will officiate the Funeral Mass.

Mrs. Willie Mae Young was a devoted wife, loving mother, cherished grandmother, great-grandmother, and a woman of unwavering faith, compassion, and service. She was a lifelong and faithful member of Holy Ghost Catholic Church, where she dedicated her time and talents to serving God and her community.

Her commitment to helping others began through her involvement with the youth ministry at Holy Ghost Catholic Church, where she served as Youth Director. In this role, she worked alongside other dedicated leaders within the Holy Ghost community to mentor, encourage, and guide young people in developing strong Christian values and a lasting foundation of faith. She believed wholeheartedly in nurturing the spiritual growth of young people and helping them become responsible, compassionate individuals.

Following her service in youth ministry, Mrs. Young answered another calling: helping individuals and families affected by substance abuse and addiction. She became a Licensed Associate Substance Abuse Counselor and was affiliated with NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals, formerly known as the National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors, as well as several other professional organizations.

Throughout her career, Mrs. Young devoted herself to educating, counseling, and advocating for individuals struggling with substance use disorders. She traveled throughout Louisiana, speaking to diverse audiences, raising awareness about addictive behaviors, and educating communities about the challenges of addiction, prevention, treatment, and recovery.

Her passion for helping others extended beyond counseling and public speaking. She also served as the Director of a residential group home facility that provided housing and support for individuals facing addiction. Through her leadership, compassion, and dedication, she worked to create an environment where individuals could receive guidance, encouragement, and the opportunity to rebuild their lives.

Mrs. Young believed that every individual deserved dignity, compassion, understanding, and an opportunity for a better tomorrow. Her life's work reflected her deep commitment to serving others, particularly those facing some of life's most difficult challenges.

Above all, Mrs. Young treasured her family. Her love, wisdom, faith, and dedication to helping others will remain a lasting legacy for her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and the countless individuals whose lives she touched.

Cherishing her precious memories are her two sons, Wilson James Young (Maggie) of Houston, Texas, and William John Young (Michelle) of Dallas, Texas; one daughter, Weslyn Young-Carmouche (Kenneth Joseph) of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; one sister, Margaret Manuel Jackson of Lake Charles, Louisiana; eight grandchildren, Brittany Kyntrell Bellard, Kierra Chante’ Cunningham, William John Young, Jr., Braylen Paul Young, Kayley Antoinette Young, Jasmine Rene Battles, Carleen Gabrielle Warner, and Ariel Nicole Young; three great-grandchildren, Amari Dimitri Price, Ezra Caleb Battles, and Zane Amari Battles; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Wilson James Young, Sr.; her parents, William Manuel and Josephine Lewis Manuel; three brothers, John Manuel, Joseph Manuel, and Melvin Manuel; and one sister, Florence Tyler.

Although her earthly journey has come to an end, Mrs. Young leaves behind a beautiful legacy of faith, love, service, and compassion. Her dedication to her family, church, and community will forever be remembered, and her influence will continue through the many lives she touched.

Visitation and Funeral Arrangements

Visitation will be held on Friday, November 13, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. at Ford and Joseph Funeral Home.

A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 12:00 p.m. at Holy Ghost Catholic Church, 732 N. Union Street, Opelousas, Louisiana.

Acknowledgments

The family of Mrs. Willie Mae Young wishes to express heartfelt gratitude and sincere appreciation to the dedicated staff of Capital Oaks Nursing Home, Hospice of Baton Rouge, Baton Rouge General Inner City Campus, Ford and Joseph Funeral Home, and the many family members and friends who offered prayers, love, encouragement, and support during her illness and throughout this difficult time.

Your kindness and compassion will always be remembered.

Scripture of Remembrance

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.”

— 2 Timothy 4:7 (KJV)

Words of Condolence

Words of condolence may be expressed at fordandjosephfh.com.

Ford and Joseph Funeral Home, 907 N. Market Street, Opelousas, LA 70570, (337) 942-6750, is entrusted with the funeral arrangements.