Phyllis Anne Perron

Phyllis Anne Perron, a trailblazer in political and governmental relations in Louisiana, died peacefully in her Baton Rouge home on March 10, 2024. She was 80 years young. Phyllis had recently been diagnosed with cancer, but her illness in no way curtailed her long-admired displays of strength, style, elegance, and Southern sass. Phyllis will be dearly missed by the family she treasured — and who absolutely treasured her: Phyllis’s brother, Andre Keath (Carolyn) Perron; nieces Michelle Perron, Cynthia (Mark) Lipari, and Paulette (Christian) Lewis; nephews Paul (Debbie) Perron and Mark (Teri) Perron; great nieces Peyton Perron, Lilly Perron, Elise Lipari, Hope (Jamison) Schumaker, Andre’ Perron, Gloria Perron, Abigail Lewis, and Grace Lewis; and great nephews Andrew (Katie) Pronsati, Dante (Reagan) Pronsati, Luke Lewis, and Eli Lipari. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Maurice and Elsie Mae Perron (nee Vidrine). Over the past few months, Phyllis experienced great joy during time spent with longtime friends who visited her, laughed and toasted with her, took her to appointments, delivered delicious food and treats, and prayed and cried with her. The extended Perron family will be forever grateful for these thoughtful angels and the tender loving care they extended to Phyllis. Phyllis was born and grew up in Ville Platte, where she attended Sacred Heart School, won blue ribbons for her sweet potato pies, and occasionally twisted the night way at the Camelot Club. She was a proud 1965 graduate of Louisiana State University, where she studied fashion and interior design, joined Pi Beta Phi (and met her BFF of 60+ years, Sandra Patin), and was highlighted as a Reveille Girl in the student newspaper. Her fashion knowledge would serve her in remarkable ways throughout the years (just ask the Capitol staff members who marveled at her many exquisite pairs of shoes and chic outfits, nicknaming her Ms. Vogue!), but this was not to be her career path. After graduation, Phyllis traveled the state on behalf of the electric cooperatives CLECO and DEMCO, networking with home builders, schools, and local chambers of commerce. She felt the pull of policy and politics, and soon took a position as executive director of the Louisiana Egg Commission. Her work there led to an appointment with the Office of Consumer Protection, where one of her responsibilities was to share knowledge and build relationships in the Louisiana Legislature. Her work in the Capitol captured the attention of the Louisiana Association of Life Underwriters, which hired her in 1977 as executive director. In this role, she lobbied on behalf of the association’s 3,000 members and expanded her legislative expertise and influence. In 1984, Phyllis left the helm of the association to form Phyllis Perron and Associates. She wanted to represent multiple entities on legislative issues, and to add association management services to her repertoire. Throughout her years at the helm, Phyllis expertly represented dozens of clients large and small, running the gamut from insurance associations to pharmacists to the Louisiana Small Business Association. In 2013, the Baton Rouge Business Report recognized Phyllis with an Influential Women in Business Award. In the profile article published in conjunction with this honor, Phyllis said one of her proudest accomplishments was her work on legislation that created the Louisiana Life & Health Insurance Guaranty Association. This association was formed in 1991 as a safety net for policyholders whose insurers for life or accident and health insurance become insolvent. Throughout her career, state agencies and lawmakers respected the thoroughness and toughness with which Phyllis worked to represent her clients. When Phyllis officially retired in 2019, legislators publicly displayed their appreciation by passing a Senate resolution commending Phyllis on her career. Among the most enthusiastic people in the chamber that day was Julie Fuselier, whom Phyllis had hired in the early days of her company. Julie had served as association manager and vice president of Phyllis Perron and Associates, and she was the ideal person to take the firm into a new era as Association Management Strategies. Julie continued to be a dear friend to Phyllis as she slowed the pace of her life to enjoy more of her passions: gathering to watch LSU football games with neighbors, volunteering for the Old State Capitol Foundation, and serving on the advisory board for the Louisiana State Archives. In retrospect, it’s not relationship-building, legislative strategy, or negotiating skill that Phyllis will be remembered for. In the words of people who knew her, Phyllis was gracious, caring, whip smart and forever an enthusiastic ambassador for her beloved Louisiana and LSU. To her family, “Aunt P” was a loving sister, proud aunt, role model, and friend all rolled into a perfectly accessorized package. Rest in peace, Phyllis. Enjoy the glorious reunion with your Mama, Daddy, and your furry canine friends. A memorial visitation will be held at St. Aloysius Catholic Church on Friday, March 15, 2024 from 10:00 am until Mass begins at 12:00 pm. A reception will immediately follow at St. Aloysius Parish Hall. A private inurnment at Lafayette Memorial Park will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Phyllis’ name to the Old State Capitol Foundation, 100 North Blvd., Baton Rouge LA 70801 or the Pennington Biomedical Research Foundation, 400 Perkins Rd., Baton Rouge LA 70808. Rabenhorst Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements