Mary Ann Lumpkin

Mary Ann Monette Lumpkin, entered into eternal life on August 11, 2015 after a battle with cancer, but a long life of love. She was born on July 27, 1944 in Alexandria, Louisiana to Alex and Annette Lacour Monette. Mary was the eldest of six children. In 1953, her parents moved their family to Los Angeles, where Mary attended St. Agnes School. She was a very good student with plans to attend a university, but at the young age of 16, she suddenly found herself in the role of provider when her father was killed in a car accident. After transferring, she graduated from Jordan High School, Mary began working to help her mother raise her brothers and sister.

Mary met Horace Lumpkin in 1963, and the two were married on November 7, 1964 at St. Leo Catholic Church. They were blessed with their first daughter, Pamela Christine in 1965. Then in 1971, their family was complete with the birth of their youngest daughter, Debbie Elaine. Mary adored her daughters, and poured all of her nurturing kindness onto them, encouraging them in their education, careers, and businesses.

In 1996, Mary was able to begin her life of early retirement from Southern California Edison where she was employed for just over 20 years. This was her chance to finally enjoy the finer things in life. She and Horace invested in real estate, and began traveling the world to places like Australia, New Zealand, Greece, Spain, Italy, Paris, New York, Bahamas, Jamaica, Hawaii, Martha's Vineyard, Mexico, Canada, Miami, and many more. Mary and Horace celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on November 7, 2014.

What she really loved to do with her new-found retirement freedom was spending time with her family. Mary visited her mother almost every Sunday. She enjoyed helping Pamela in her showroom in the LA Mart. She planned the most beautiful and special wedding day for her and Emmanuel Baffo, but Mary was overjoyed when a lovely baby girl was born to that union in 2005. Grandma loved caring for Madison while Pamela worked, walking her to Sunshine Preschool, driving her to John Thomas Dye School, and hosting Madison's friends at her house. Mary's nurturing spirit once again found a receptacle for her special outpouring, and Madison could never get enough of her Grandma. Mary also enjoyed spending time with her granddaughters, Kyra and Kamryn Baffo. Kyra loved asking for her advice about life, and Kamryn never wanted to leave her side.

Mary coached and applauded Debbie for following in her footsteps at Southern California Edison, and even surpassing them. She inspired and encouraged Debbie every step of the way as she developed her new business venture, Laissez Style. The news of Debbie's recent engagement to Tony Green made Mary so happy, and she looked forward to their upcoming wedding.

Her surviving family members include her husband, Horace Lumpkin; Daughters and their partners, Pamela and Emmanuel Baffo, Debbie Lumpkin and fiance, Tony Green; Granddaughters Kyra, Kamryn, and Madison Baffo; Siblings Betty Webster, Vernon Monette, Brady Monette and David Monette; and, many beloved in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews, God-children.