Deborah Ann Mays of Harvey, Louisiana passed away on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at the age of 70. She spent her last days surrounded by her loved ones, comforted and loved on. Deborah was born in New Orleans, Louisiana to the late Stanley L. Lauland, Sr. and the late Marie Anaclerio Lauland-Harvey. Deborah was widowed to the love of her life, the late William Alan Mays, sharing 47 years together before his passing. Deborah was a proud mother to her only child, Melissa Maria Hudson (Gabe), a grandmother to her two grandsons, Parker Ian Hudson and Cole Alexander Hudson. Deborah was the sister to her only brother, Stanley Lauland Jr. (Flo), and is survived by two special nieces, Ashley Gauthier (Steven), and Stephanie Hogan (Scott). She is also survived by a multitude of nieces and nephews on her late husband's side, and several cousins.
Debbie was an Algiers Native, where she attended all her schooling, including elementary, middle, and high school. She enjoyed a multitude of sports in her High School years, but her favorites were soft ball, volleyball and dancing as a Chargerette. She had fond memories growing up in such a tight knit community, where everyone was like family. She had so many stories that she would share with her family of all the memories made and created during those special years.
Debbie worked for a multitude of places through her younger years, but she spent most of her working years employed with K&B headquarters in an administrative capacity, where she developed and built lasting relationships. After K&B closed, Debbie worked for a brief period for the Jefferson Parish Courthouse in criminal records, before she decided to retire early and stay home with her family.
As a young adult, and into her adult years, Debbie loved to go on camping trips with her family and friends, traveling to multiple different areas, exploring different campgrounds. She loved to tell stories of all the memories made. She also loved festivals and attended all the school fairs in the local area. When she was younger, she especially loved Mardi Gras parades, catching them two and three times a route. She loved eating out with her family, especially her Friday night dinners with her brother and sister-n-law. She loved stuffed artichokes, boiled crabs, and as we learned during her final days, her son-n-laws cooking. However, Debbie’s most favorite and probably most remembered hobby was entertaining others with her pantomiming of “These boots are made for walking”,” Alvin and the Chipmunks” and Barbara Streisand songs. She also enjoyed board games, playing cards, and was always up for a good karaoke.
Debbie had such a giving heart, contributing to a multitude of organizations in her later years. If she knew someone was in need, she would be the first to help. Her grandchildren, however, were the ones who really had her heart. Parker and Cole were her world. She loved showing off their pictures or bragging about their latest accomplishments to whoever would listen. The last few years of Debbie’s life were spent caring for her late husband, and her mother, but she did enjoy weekends of fun at the family camp, spending time and making memories with her daughter, son- in- law and grandchildren.
Debbie had an incredible faith in God, carrying that faith with her until the very end. She was so strong, despite her diagnosis, never wanting to burden anyone.
The family would like to express their gratitude to two dear friends to Debbie for their support and friendship during such a challenging time. Cheryl Guidry for helping with medical appointments and transportation, as well as the lunches and dinners that Debbie so looked forward to. Sheila Trauth’s weekly inspiration cards, phone calls and visits brought Debbie comfort. Floris Lauland was the best sister-n-law, and truly was an active caretaker during Debbie’s last several months. The family cannot thank you enough for your support, love, and being such a constant during Debbie’s final days. Jerrilyn Scalf (David) was a lifelong friend, who was always an active participant in Debbie's life, especially during the last few months helping her maintain a clean "beanie" look!
The family would also like to give a special thanks to the St. Tammany Cancer Center, both Ochsner centers (Westbank and Main campus), as well as Dr. Suma Satti and staff for all the support and encouragement over the last year and a half. We are thankful for Hospice Passages for your kind and compassionate care of Deborah in her final months.
A visitation for Deborah will be held Saturday, April 27, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Westside/Leitz-Eagan Funeral Home, 5101 Westbank Expressway, Marrero, LA 70072, followed by a funeral service from 12:00 PM to 12:45 PM.
In lieu of flowers, consider offering a mass or donating to conquer cancer at conquer.org.
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