Louise Wilridge Henry

Obituary For Louise Wilridge Henry

Louise Wilridge Henry Obituary

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. at St. Theresa Catholic Church, Crowley, LA on Saturday, July 25, 2026, for Louise Wilridge Henry, 83, of Crowley, Louisiana who entered eternal rest on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at The Calcutta House in Lafayette, LA.

The service will be officiated by Fr. Mark Odoguje, pastor of St. Theresa Catholic Church. Visitation will be in the church Saturday, July 25, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. with rosary recited at 9:00 am. Interment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery.

A loving wife, mother, family member, and friend, full of laughter and joy in the Lord, always willing to help others and show kindness and a smile…Louise was born October 4, 1942, to Hubbie Wilridge and Virginia “Hardy Mae” Wilridge. She grew up in Maxie, Louisiana and moved to Crowley in 1966 after marrying her beloved husband of 60 years, Donald R. Henry, Sr. To their union, three children were born, one son - Donald R. Henry, Jr. (Amy*) of Lexington, KY; and two daughters - Aleathia H. Celestine (Bobby, Sr.) of Lafayette, LA; and Felicia Henry-Payne (Horace “George”) of Rowlett, TX.

Louise loved children and spent many years of her life in childcare, becoming a Teacher’s Aide/Assistant at Ross Headstart before retiring to help take care of her grandkids. She also served as PTO President and volunteer at Ross Elementary School. In addition to childcare roles, she was a Supervisor at Crowley Manufacturing and a Supervisor at TomCo Manufacturing in her young adult years.

Her passion for helping children intersected with her love of her church parish, St. Theresa Catholic Church, where she was a member for 60 years. There she served as a Catechism/Religious Education teacher for over 25 years. Her love of God and dedication to the church was evident in her involvement, regularly attending daily mass, serving as Eucharistic Minister, member of Legion of Mary and St. Joseph Society. She also took great joy in being the coordinator of the St. Joseph’s Altar annually for many years, ensuring all aspects of the altar were set up perfectly, encouraging donors and volunteers, handing out “lucky beans” and involving the children of the parish in reading/performing parts of the program. She was recently recognized by the parish for her many years of leading this effort.

Louise was a very gentle soul, praying the rosary daily, the divine mercy chaplet and devotions to St. Jude. She spent most days sitting on the screened porch with her devoted husband or while visiting her sister, enjoying the simple aspects of life. She cared deeply about others beyond her family and immediate community, routinely supporting charities, not wanting to throw away any religious mail solicitations without sending in a donation. Her most favored charity being the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

In addition to her husband and children, she is survived by one brother – Allen Wilridge (Veronica) of Lake Charles, Louisiana, and three sisters – Beaulah Yokum (Allan*) of Lake Charles, Louisiana; Gladys “Marie” Henderson and Helen Harmon (Charlie), both of Crowley, LA. She also leaves to cherish her memory of love, laughter and dancing her four grandchildren – Joshua (Jacquetta), Brianna (Bryson), Bisa, and Isaiah; nine great-grandchildren - affectionately known as her “little girls and boys” - Jamaya, Haidon, Ashton, Elizabeth, Joshua Jr, Kamille, Aubrey, Kadience, and Uzuri; two Godchildren - Rosalene Alexander and Percy Moore, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents and four grandchildren – twins Brandon and Beounca Celestine, Navy Henry, and Bobby Celestine, Jr.

Words of condolences may be expressed at fordandjosephfh.com
Arrangements have been entrusted to Ford and Joseph Funeral Home, 577 N. Ave. C., Crowley, (337) 514-5217.

*deceased

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