William St. Clair Breen

Mittie Averill Myers Cryer

Helen Young Johnson

Larry Johnson

Patricia Shea Louviere

William Joseph Mize

James Lee Prather

Gregory Lydell Sweet Sr.

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William St. Clair Breen

LAKE CHARLES — William St. Clair “Bill” Breen, 88, died Thursday, Jan. 14, 2021, in his son’s residence.

He was a native of Washington, D.C. and had been a resident of Lake Charles for over 60 years. He was a U.S. Veteran, having served in the Korean Conflict. Bill graduated from McNeese State University where he received his Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Education. He served as a Louisiana History teacher at W.W. Lewis Middle School for over 30 years and also served as a basketball coach. He also served as a Deputy Sheriff with the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff Department for 33 years. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge #165. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing tennis, and cheering on the Washington Redskins.

Survivors include his sons, Michael Breen and wife Heather of Vinton, and James “Jay” Breen of Lake Charles; two grandchildren, Logan Breen and Taylor Vincent; and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his mother, Myrtle Elizabeth Jones; and his brother, Alvin Breen.

A Celebration of Bill’s Life will be held at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 17, in Hixson-Sulphur Memorial Funeral Home led by Jody Barrilleaux, Celebrant. Burial will be in Highland Memory Gardens in Lake Charles. Visitation is from 11 a.m. until the time of service in the funeral home. The family would like to give special thanks to the nurses and staff of Christus St. Patrick Hospice for their excellent care of Bill.

Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.hixsonfuneralhomes.com.

Mittie Averill Myers Cryer

Mittie Averill Myers Cryer, born July 3, 1931, was 89 years young when the Father called His precious daughter home on Jan. 12, 2021.

Our Mom would tell you not to weep for her but prepare your heart to meet her Savior. Mom would tell you the most important decision in her life was at fourteen years of age when she accepted Christ as her Savior. She attended and served at Olivet Baptist Church and Grace Baptist Church most of her life, while teaching Sunday School and singing in the choir. Mom was very bold in sharing the gospel with others. She will be remembered by her faithful godly heart.

Mom loved caring for her family, cooking, gardening and endless trips to the country. She enjoyed her many travels across the USA but her favorite places were to be with her family.

Mittie was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Loy J Cryer; her parents, Hugh and Lucy Myers; sister, Lenora Cryer; brothers, Mervin Myers and Marvin Myers.

Those left behind to grieve the loss of this beautiful godly lady are her son, Terry Cryer; daughters, Cynthia Cryer Carr of Jacksonville, Fla., and Cathy Cryer; her baby brat sister, Avis Ruth Musgrove. Also granddaughters, Crystal Cryer of Edinburgh Scotland, Chelsa Moody and Celena Carr of Jacksonville, Fla.; great-grandsons, Matthew Guillet and Robert Moody of Jacksonville, Fla.; great-granddaughter, Brooke Moody of Jacksonville, Fla.; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will begin at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 16, 2021, in Hixson-Sulphur Memorial Funeral Chapel.

Funeral service will begin at noon on Saturday, Jan. 16, 2021, in Hixson-Sulphur Memorial Funeral Chapel. The Rev. Don Barrett and the Rev. Kevin Craft will officiate services. Burial will follow in Cannon Cemetery in Merryville.

Family would like to say a special thank you to Harbor Hospice, Ralph Hays APRN, and Dr. Alan LaBato for the tender care shown to their mom.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hixsonsulphurmemorial.com for the Cryer family.

Helen Young Johnson

Helen Young Johnson, 79, of Lake Charles, died Tuesday, Jan. 12. Funeral service will be 11 a.m. today, Jan. 16, in Hixson Funeral Home of Lake Charles. Interment will be at Highland Memory Gardens.

Larry Johnson

Larry Johnson, 71, died Jan. 11. Funeral service will be 11 a.m. today, Jan. 16, at Reed Funeral Home of Kinder. Burial will be in Botley Cemetery.

Patricia Shea Louviere

Patricia Shea Louviere, 85, died Tuesday, Jan. 12, in a local hospital. Funeral will be 1 p.m. today at Hixson’s Funeral Home in Lake Charles. Interment will be at Prien Memorial Park.

William Joseph Mize

It’s said the true purpose of life is to simply live as the fullest expression of oneself: to live fully, love wholeheartedly, and make an impact. William Joseph Mize did just that, leaving behind a legacy of memories and stories that bring laughter, awe, and inspiration.

Joe came to this earth on May 12, 1950, in Knoxville, Tenn. He met the love of his life, Maura, in 1975 and they married in 1978. He spent the majority of his adult life in Lake Charles, Louisiana where he was a loving husband and father, and successfully practiced law. Joe’s amazing life ended where it all began in his hometown of Knoxville at the age of 70.

Joe impacted the lives of many with his charismatic nature and generosity. Not only did he possess a wicked and sometimes sarcastic sense of humor, he also took great pride in ensuring everyone around him felt cared for and valued. Joe found true joy in coaching and mentoring the youth, while creating a home away from home for so many. His children’s friends came to love and adore him for his sincerity, spontaneity and Sunday dinners.

Always the life of the party, anything could happen in the presence of Joe Mize. With a sparkle in his eye, Joe was always ready for the next adventure. He had more than nine lives, and despite numerous health scares, he was determined to live life exactly as he wanted.

Joe was a basketball star at Central High School – Class of ‘68 – in Knoxville and played at UNC – Asheville College. He coached basketball for years, taking a team to AAU Nationals in 1999.

He was a graduate of Tulane Law School, Cum Laude, Order of the Coif, and member of Tulane Law Review. He then clerked for Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Walter F. Marcus, Jr. Joe went on to practice law from 1983-2019; first with his father-in-law, Eddie Carmouche at the Camp-Carmouche Law Firm and then as co-founder and member of Robichaux, Mize & Wadsack Law Firm. His dedication and commitment to excellence resulted in lifelong clients who also became dear friends.

Joe adored all of his children and took pride in each of their talents. He displayed his son Will’s art work with immense pride. He was extremely proud of his daughter Meghan, who found meaning and purpose in her life, relishing how she inspired others through her writing and teaching.

Practicing law with his son Matt was one of the greatest joys of his professional career.

Joe was a loving and supportive husband, always encouraging Maura to pursue her dreams and goals. They traveled the world together, creating memories through their adventures.

Joe spread joy, singing karaoke to his favorite songs Frank Sinatra’s “My Way” and “New York, New York”, throughout all of the world (literally). Joe truly did live life “his way!” It brings his family immense joy and peace, knowing he’s up in heaven serenading us all.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Maura Carmouche Mize; children, William Joseph Mize Jr. (Vivian, and grandchildren, Whitson, Josie, Harley), Meghan Mize Sylvester (Justin, and grandchildren, Lily, Ruby, Happy), Matthew Martin Mize (Leslie, and grandchildren, William and Conrad), and grandchildren, Jake and Julia Slawek; sister, Kathryn Mize Rhodes (Larry); brother, Ted Harbourt (Anita); mother, Jackie Poe Harbourt (Stan), and a host of much loved nieces, nephews and cousins. Joe is preceded in death by his beloved father and mother, Bob and Gladys Mize; daughter, Myra Mize Slawek, and sister, Susan Harbourt Revelle.

The outpouring of love and support the family has received is a true testament to Joe’s life.

Honoring Joe’s wishes and knowing he would not be satisfied with a small event, the family will be hosting a Celebration of Life later in Lake Charles, LA. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting memorial donations be made in Joe’s memory to EveryKidSports.org. Nothing would please Joe more than providing an opportunity for children to play extracurricular sports. Arrangements by Cremation Options, Inc. (865)6WE-CARE (693-2273) www.cremationoptionsinc.com.

James Lee Prather

James Lee Prather, 88, died Tuesday, Jan. 12. A private graveside service will be held with military honors rendered by the Army Honor Guard under the direction of Lakeside Funeral Home.

Gregory Lydell Sweet Sr.

Gregory Lydell Sweet Sr., 55, of Merryville, died Monday, Jan. 11. Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 23, at Myers Colonial Funeral Home in DeRidder. Burial will be at Merryville Community Cemetery.