Celebration of Life Services for Sis. Theresa Cain Fondel, 83, will be held at 1 pm Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023, at New Providence Baptist Church, 307 Deshotel Ln., Lake Charles, La. Pastor Rev. Freddie G. Brown will officiate. Visiting in the church is from 11 a.m. until the time of celebration services. Burial will be in Combre Memorial Park, directed by Semien-Lewis Mortuary of Jennings, La.
Sis. Theresa was born in Teche, La., and was a resident of Lake Charles, La. She departed her earthly life on Jan. 27, 2023, at Houston Methodist Hospital after a lengthy illness. Her parents, Eleanor Cain Simmons and Dorsey Simmons instilled in her the importance of putting Christ first, the importance of family, and the value an education. Sis. Theresa was baptized at an early age and served in the church choir. After graduating high school, she enrolled at Grambling College and earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education. She later earned her Master’s Degree in Education from McNeese State Univ. She was a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Theresa was employed by the Calcasieu Parish School Board as an Elementary Teacher and retired with over 30 years of dedicated service. She was a member of New Providence Baptist Church, pastored by the Rev. Freddie G. Brown.
Sis. Theresa dedicated herself to raising her children, her great-granddaughter, caring for her ill son (Garry) and mother (Eleanor) until their passing. After retirement, she owned three successful startup businesses, Miss Tee’s Boutique, Miss Tee’s Diner, and Miss Tee’s Daycare.
Sis. Theresa was preceded in death by parents, Dorsey and Eleanor Simmons; two sons, Garry D. Fondel and Gerald W. Fondel Sr.; grandson, Gerald W. Fondel Jr.
Sis. Theresa leaves to cherish her love and memories one daughter, Trimone Fondel Alex of Lake Charles, La.; one son, George C. Fondel II of Houston, Texas; seven grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren; former husband, George C. Fondel Sr.; a host of other relatives and friends.