Bobby Jean Royer went to her heavenly home on July 17, 2024. She was born Dec. 5, 1930, to Mary Kathrine Holland and Leeland Jenkins Holland in Lake Charles, La. Bobby was a 1948 graduate of LaGrange.

Her Christian faith was extremely important to her and anyone who knew her could see it. She was a Sunday School and Bible school teacher, a wonderful singer who would sometimes substitute for her Song Director husband, she was part of the choir, worked as church secretary and treasurer, and even wrote and directed a Christmas production. Her most recent and long-time church home was Grand Lake Faith Temple, where she could be found sitting near the front, all the way to left, every service she could. On Sundays after church, it was always spaghetti at her house, in her cow-covered kitchen. One thing was for sure, you would never leave hungry or without dessert.

Bobby was an extremely diverse woman outside of the church as well. She was Captain of a bowling team, taught herself to play the piano and accordion, was a Bluebird and Campfire leader, and sewed clothes for herself and her family. Crocheting was also on her list of talents; she would make beautiful blankets for family members and a huge, personalized Christmas stocking for everyone born or married into her family. She also drew blueprints and helped build several of her former homes.

Bobby was strong, selfless, loving, and had a silly side. She was loved and respected by many. She cared deeply for her family and gladly opened her home to loved ones who needed it, a nightly bowl of ice cream was always included.

Those left to cherish her memory are her two children, Rodney Royer of Woodville, Texas. and Debra DeBarge and husband, Mark of Sulphur, La. Four grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 65 years Sheffield Royer; her sister, Betty June Smiley and Gloria Monceaux; her brother, Lealand Holland Jr., and her  grandson, Heath Royer.

Her funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on July 19, 2024, in the chapel of Johnson Funeral Home in Lake Charles, La. The Rev. Scotty Poole will officiate. Burial will take place in Grand Lake Community Cemetery following the service. A visitation will be held at Johnson Funeral Home in Lake Charles Friday from 10 a.m. the time of service. 

A special thank you to the Harbor Hospice nurses and caregivers.