Charlotte Ann Koons

She loved growing up with her large family in Holmwood, LA, and helping on the farm, but she hated caring for the chickens. She often told the story of being chased by the mean rooster and preferred spending time in the sun at Holly Beach. Charlotte juggled the roles in her life with grace and compassion. She was married to the love of her life, Lionel for 38 years. A proud military wife; loving mother, devoted grandmother, and Godmother. Those who knew her would say she was a bit of an outlaw, a hippie, a beach bum, and maybe just a hint of a hoarder.

If the Olympics had a category for hard-core thrift shoppers, she’d win the gold. From a child’s point of view, she sat on a pedestal that not even Princess Diana could live up to. To know her was to be in love with her. As a child, she was your favorite obsession. She was confident, sassy, and always the life of the party. You were just drawn to her, like a moth to a flame. You would simply want to be near her just a little longer. She made it her personal mission to supply all the children who entered her home with nonstop entertainment. No matter if it was playdough, pots and pans, spoons, bubbles outside in our underwear, or playing tea party. We knew where to go for a good time.

She was fearless. Charlotte could make sailors blush; animals heal and bring grown men to their knees without chipping a nail. She doted on her family and was happiest when her loved ones surrounded her. She hosted dinners and holidays every year. Nine times out of ten, the request was always the same, her famous gumbo. She traveled the world and experienced more in one lifetime than most. Charlotte was strong-willed and stubborn at times but had an enormous heart and a wonderful sense of humor. She was generous, loyal, and had unwavering faith in God.

Charlotte was preceded in death by her parents, Lee and Orellia Fontenot, sister, Dewana Fay and brother Lee Fontenot Jr. She is survived by her husband of 38 years, Lionel Koons; sons, Matthew Koons (Erin) of Kingstown, RI and Nicholas Koons (Ansley) of Shreveport, LA; grandchildren, Madison Hammett and Nicholas Koons II; and beloved pup, George Koons; as well as countless nieces, nephews, and friends.

Services in her honor will begin with a gathering of family and friends between 12:30 and 2:00 pm; followed by the celebration of her life at 2:00 pm. Services will be held at Hill Crest Memorial, Haughton, LA Sunday, September 10, 2023, with Melanie Kemp presiding.