Emma Lou LeBlanc Bailey, our dear mother, proud grandmother and great grandmother, loving sister, and dear friend, passed away peacefully, Saturday, December 2, 2023, at her residence with her family at her side. She was 93. She was born in rural Vermilion Parish to the late Dudley L. LeBlanc and the late Ursule Bares LeBlanc.
Emma Lou lived 93 beautiful years filled with everything that mattered most to her….faith, family and love for everyone. She worked outside the home briefly with the Iberia Parish School Board and with other businesses, but her favorite endeavor was sewing. In her many years on this earth, Emma Lou has sewn some of the most beautiful heirloom outfits, wedding dresses, christening dresses, clothing for her family, and tons of baby clothes. Many newborns left the local hospitals adorned with a precious bonnet or baby hat because of her love and generosity. Her talent didn’t stop at sewing. She was also an accomplished artist, having painted beautiful magnolia pictures.
Of course there were other pastimes such as going dancing with Raymond or having friends and family over for a game of dominoes or cards, but her heart was most happy when with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Mickey, Karen and Scott shared how happy she and Raymond were while following their grandchildren’s endeavors, whether it be sporting events or other activities. They reminisced about their trip to the College Baseball World Series to watch her grandson play with ULL. It was a memorable trip to say the least. Of course, there are many other memories that Emma Lou cherished, and likewise, her family will keep those same memories in their hearts and thoughts forever.
We rejoice in knowing that she is not gone from us, only gone on before us, and we will one day be reunited with her again. Until that precious time, rest well. We love you.
Those left to cherish her memory are her children, Michael “Mickey” Bailey (Jeannie), Karen Bailey Comeaux and R. Scott Bailey (Dianne); her grandchildren whom she adored, Chad Bailey (Cherie), Leah Reaux (Chuck), Bret Bailey (Serena), Bryan Comeaux (Kelly), Dr. Blake Comeaux (Danielle), Nicholas Bailey, Benjamin Bailey (Martha) and Ethan Bailey; 14 precious great grandchildren; her sister, Lena LeBlanc Alleman (Earl “Chubby”); and her sister-in-law, Anna Belle LeBlanc.
Along with her parents, Emma Lou was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond L. Bailey; her siblings, Leo LeBlanc and Robella Langlinais; her son-in-law, Rodney Comeaux; and great grandchildren, Cameron Michael Bailey and Noah Alan Comeaux.
A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating Emma Lou’s life will be held 2:00 pm Monday, December 11, 2023 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, with Fr. David Furka as celebrant and Fr. William Schambough as concelebrant. Readers for the mass will be Tyler and Miia Bailey; with Jase McCoy, Caroline Comeaux and Emmaline Reaux as gift bearers.
A gathering of family and friends will be held Monday at Evangeline Funeral Home from 10:00 am until 1:30 pm. The Rosary will be prayed at 10:30 am, led by the Men’s Rosary Group.
Mrs. Bailey’s grandchildren will honor her as pallbearers.
The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Emma Lou’s sitters, Belinda Lasalle, Brenda Comeaux, Marna Carlson and Leah Reaux for their love and compassion shown while caring for her. You are all greatly appreciated.
Relatives and friends are encouraged to share their memories and condolences with the family by visiting Emma Lou’s memorial page at www.evangelinenewiberia.com
Evangeline Funeral Home of New Iberia is in charge of arrangements.
