Anna Lee Phillips Menard, 83, of Lake Charles, passed away on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, in a local hospice facility.
Anna Lee was born on Sept. 14, 1939, in Opelousas, La., and was raised in Ville Platte, before moving to Lake Charles, in 1960. She was a member of Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church.
Anna Lee will be remembered for her “one of a kind” personality and strong-willed spirit. Anna Lee was also an “overcomer.” In her early years, she overcame her mental health struggles, while raising five children, and even published a very personal story of her life and how she learned to cope, in the Lagniappe magazine. Being a published author was an accomplishment she was extremely proud of. She and her husband, Wallis, enjoyed dancing and won numerous awards for their fancy footwork.
Anna Lee never met a slot machine she didn’t like, however her most cherished times were spent taking care of her family, and cooking every Sunday. Up until the day before she left this Earth, Anna Lee called each of her children daily to hear about their day, and what was going on in their lives. She was genuinely interested in all of her family and what they had going on. Her favorite question to her children was “Are you going to make a round today?” And faithfully her children and grandchildren made their rounds, filling her in on all the details of their lives. Her sister Beryl was her best friend, and she could not have asked for a better sister, confidante, and constant companion. We hope Beryl finds solace in the five children she’s now gained.
Those left to cherish her memory are her children, Kevin Menard (Bonnie) of Moss Bluff, Dr. Keith Menard (Ashley George-Menard) of Lake Charles, Pamela Elmer (Joey) of Gillis, Paula Menard Mouton of Lake Charles, and Kent Menard (Jennie) of Lake Charles; sister, Beryl Deshotel of Lake Charles; grandchildren, Christian Kelley, Joe Elmer (Brittany), Shane Menard (Madison), Brandon Menard (Amberly), Keri Airhart (David), Katie Menard, Jeremy Mouton (Devon), Amy Mouton, Bryce Mouton, Brayden Mouton, Jackson Viator, Caroline George, and Jace Manuel; and 16 great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind her furry companion, Mickey.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Wallis J. Menard; parents, Mary and Vincent Phillips; and brothers, Fredrick, Burke and Calvin Phillips.
The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to the doctors and staff of Harbor Hospice, particularly Gray, CC, and April, for their care and compassion given to Anna Lee in her last days. They also want to thank Father Levi Thompson for spending time with Anna Lee and the family in her final hours.
Visitation will begin at Johnson Funeral Home on Thursday, March 30, from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. with a Rosary starting at 6 p.m. Visitation will resume on Friday, March 31, from 10 a.m. until leaving for the church at 12:30 p.m. A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church. Father Levi Thompson will officiate. Burial will follow in Consolata Cemetery under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home.
Pallbearers are her grandsons: Joe Elmer, Shane Menard, Brandon Menard, Jeremy Mouton, Bryce Mouton and Brayden Mouton.
Words of comfort to the family may be expressed at www.johnsonfuneralhome.net.