Melba Lee Tate Mathieu, 79, of Lake Charles passed away Saturday, July 6, 2024 in a local healthcare facility following a brief illness.

Ms. Mathieu was born in Lacassine, La. and lived most of her life in Lake Charles.  She was a graduate of Lake Charles High School.  During her younger years, Ms. Mathieu followed her husband’s Navy career.  They later returned to make Lake Charles their home and began their works as owners of Family Christan Book Store.  They then worked as house parents of Boys Village from the late 70’s for more than 20 years.  It was during this time, Ms. Mathieu went on to help start up Freshko Food Service Corporation of which she remained the bookkeeper for nearly 30 years.  Saturdays were sure to find her shopping and having lunch with her sister, son and/or niece.  Her passion was shopping for, collecting, reading and recycling cookbooks!  Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd Used Book Sale amongst her favorite shopping experiences.  She also frequently shopped QVC for clever ideas to incorporate into her recipes.  She will be remembered for her Thanksgiving spread of countless delicious dishes.  Ms. Mathieu was a lady of faith, devoted to her Bible and Glad Tidings Church as long as she was able.  She was a true representation of a servant’s heart, uplifting enthusiasm and joyful spirit.

She leaves to cherish her memory one son, Michael Christopher Mathieu of Lake Charles; daughter, Ashley Rebecca Mathieu of New Orleans; two grandchildren, Shaylee and Gabriel Mathieu; sister, Loretta Lavergne of Lake Charles; brother, Harold Tate of Lake Charles, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Asa Joseph Tate and Mabel Turner Tate; two brothers, Calvin Tate and EJ Tate; brother-in-law, Harold Lavergne, and sisters-in-law, Louise Tate, Marjorie Tate, and Rose Tate.

Funeral services will be at 4 p.m. Tuesday, July 9, 2024 in the Chapel of Johnson Funeral Home in Lake Charles.  Visitation will follow the service until 6 p.m.  Interment will follow in Consolata Cemetery at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made to Boys Village at boysvillages.org or Glad Tidings Church, 3501 Texas St., Lake Charles, LA 70607 .

Words of comfort to the family may be expressed at www.johnsonfuneral home.net.