Mary Emily Guillory LeCompte, "Beedie", 77, of Lake Charles, passed away on Tuesday, October 27, 2020 at Brookdale Assisted Living in Alexandria, LA. She was born to her late parents, Lanis and Nellie Guillory on December 2, 1942 in Lake Charles. There is no doubt that her work ethic was built from an early age through working on the family farm. This would be the foundation for her seeing her dreams and goals through to completion. That list would include: living in Paris, being a teacher, raising a family, running a children's bookstore, and being a professional storyteller. Mary was bold and went for what she wanted, all while keeping a big smile on her face.
She was a teacher for more than just the kids who came into her classroom. Her generosity was without bounds to those who crossed her path. Mary was always willing to help whomever, whether through encouraging words, a bowl of sausage and okra or with straight up tough love. She was going to give you the help that you needed. Her selflessness would be on full display later in life when she gave up traveling and performing to become a full time caretaker for her husband, after he was diagnosed with ALS until his passing in 2017.
Mary's unique voice will be deeply missed by family and friends, but her zealous spirit will continue to live on in all of the hearts and minds that she touched.
Mary was a member of the National Storytelling Association, International Reading Association, American Library Association, Louisiana Library Association, Louisiana Retired Teachers Association, and a member of the Old Charleston Tellers. She was also Producer of the Lake Charles Storytelling Festival and founder of the first storyteller’s guild in Lake Charles.
She is survived by her two daughters, Kimberly LeCompte of Charlotte, NC, Kellie LeCompte Gaines and husband Christopher of Franklin, TN; one brother, Hilton Guillory of Lake Charles; one sister, Mary V. Owens of Pasadena, CA; 3 grandchildren, Kyle LeCompte of Lake Charles, Braylen Gaines and Riley Gaines, both of Franklin, TN; niece whom she raised Chantell Martin of Iowa, LA; along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Mary is preceded in death by her loving husband of 48 years, Linton LeCompte; along with four brothers, Curtis, Earl, Hillman, and Joe Guillory.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Saint Henry Catholic church of Lake Charles on Saturday, November 7, 2020 at 10:00am. Visitation will be at Hixson Funeral Home of Lake Charles on Friday, November 6, 2020 from 5:00pm until 8:00pm, with a Rosary at 6:00pm. Visitation will resume at the funeral home on Saturday from 8:00am until the procession to the church. Burial will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Lake Charles. Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.jehixson.com.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
v.1.9.6