Annie Mae Troquille Kerry

Annie Mae Troquille Kerry entered our enduring, loving memories on Monday, March 4, 2024, at the age of 91. She was a long-time resident of Leesville, LA, and resided in Atlanta for the past 3 years. She passed away peacefully at home following a fun-filled weekend with family. She was ushered from this world into the loving arms of our heavenly father in an instant, with the quiet dignity and composure that characterized her spirit. She will be missed beyond measure by all who knew and loved her, especially her seven children and six grandchildren.  

Annie Mae was a devout Catholic and, while residing in Atlanta, attended All Saints Catholic Church. Her strength, compassion for others, sense of humor, and faith in God guided her throughout this worldly life while waiting to rejoice with her heavenly family. Although her loved ones are profoundly saddened by her sudden loss, we celebrate her incredible life and will carry with us the countless lessons she taught us about living. She reminded us in her daily actions that life was a journey to be enjoyed and not a destination. 

Our amazing mother was born in Cloutierville, LA, on May 21, 1932. She was a country girl at heart. She was brought up in the rural community where she fondly remembered the hard times, the good times, the Catholic school nuns who educated her, learning to drive on gravel roads, the lively fiddle sessions, homemade cane syrup, her mother’s tamales, and “cat head” biscuits– such was life around the Sang Pour Sang Lake area. 

Annie Mae grew into a stunning black-haired beauty who caught the eye of the boy next door and married the handsome young soldier, Gilmore Kerry, on February 27, 1954. She traveled the world as the devoted wife of a career Army soldier and lived on numerous military bases. She stoically endured the constant moves, the long periods of separation, and the enormous commitment necessary as the spouse of a soldier with young children. In every new deployment, she made time for her children to participate in local activities and share in new experiences. Two of her favorite stations were Germany and Hawaii. Highlights of her travels included visits to France, Switzerland, St. Peter’s Cathedral in Rome, and Saint Mark’s Cathedral in Vienna.

Upon the military retirement of her husband, they settled in Leesville, where she enjoyed visits to see her beloved family. Although worldly in her experiences, she never lost the values of her Louisiana roots.

Annie Mae was inquisitive, adventurous, and open to learning about anything new.  She had a fascination with nature, science and forensic tv shows. She enjoyed watching birds, squirrels, and never gave up on a flower or a person. She enjoyed quietly reading and lively dinners with family. 

She found her true joy as an active senior where her faith and belief in God’s plan inspired her to become a surprising risk taker. She sped across the Florida Everglades on an airboat, drove to the top of Mt. St. Helen’s volcano, took a helicopter to a glacier in Alaska, rode on a Porsche test track at 115 mph at age 90, bowled a 91 score on her 91st birthday. She seemed to be getting younger as she aged. Her happy place was on any porch surrounded by family, enjoying sunsets, and especially found solace in the peace at Rosemary Beach, Florida.

Her interests were endless and ever expanding. She loved attending annual Troquille reunions, the Kerry family gatherings in Baton Rouge, and catching up with family at any venue. She had a passion for education and once stood in line on a cold New Orleans morning, so she and her children could see the rare treasures of King Tut’s tomb. She instilled that passion for education into her children and supported all continuing education efforts. She appreciated a good gumbo, an occasional glass of white wine, cornbread and milk, and enjoyed watching LSU sporting events. She was an excellent cook, and her cornbread dressing was legendary. 

Annie Mae’s quiet disposition concealed her fierce determination. She could light up a room with her smile and appear effortlessly regal at events. Her family and her community loved her dearly as a devoted mother, grandmother, Aunt, and a friend. She was always available for conversations, and would provide a word or two of wisdom, often with her unique brand of wit. 

Annie Mae had an abundance of love in her life; she loved her husband, children, grandchildren, her extended family, and always thought kindly of others. She willingly shared her extensive knowledge to help make the life of others better. Throughout her life she mended clothes, broken bones, broken hearts, and broken spirits. She shared her love of cooking, gardening, and sports with her grandchildren and watched as the older ones blossomed into adults. We are all very fortunate that she shared her life with us. She often gave advice if you could handle it. Some of her last of these words were to “be kind to each other”. 

A Mass for Christian Burial for Annie Mae will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 16, 2024, at the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Natchitoches, LA. Father Irion St. Romain will be the celebrant. Burial will follow at Emmanuel Cemetery in Chopin.  Annie Mae’s eternal resting place overlooks the church where she was married. 

On Friday, March 15, 2024, a wake will be held from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Blanchard St. Denis funeral home in Natchitoches, with recitation of the Holy Rosary to begin at 7:00 p.m. 

Annie Mae was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Almond Troquille and Azalie (Basco) Troquille, her loyal and loving husband of 60 years, Master Sergeant (Retired) Gilmore Kerry, her cherished sisters, Ada Troquille, Mildred Vercher, Agnes Bynog, Reba Gongre, Rita Moser; and brothers, John Freeman Troquille, Artis Troquille, and Jimmy Ray Troquille.

Left to cherish her memory are four daughters, Ann Ryan (Tim) of Leesville, LA, Frieda Witt (Paul) of Colorado Springs, CO, Vanessa Russell (Steven) of Atlanta, GA, Letitia Kerry of Shreveport, LA, and three sons, Gerald Kerry (Brigit) of Abita Springs, LA, Nathan Kerry of Atlanta, GA, and Gilmore Kerry, Jr. (Kathy) of Fairview, TX, and six grandchildren, Jessica Ryan and Christopher Ryan of Leesville, LA, Meghan Kerry of Abita Springs, LA, Ethan Kerry and Jacob Kerry of Fairview, TX, and Dillon Troquille Kerry of Atlanta, GA.   

Pallbearers include Gerald Kerry, Nathan Kerry, Gilmore Kerry Jr., Chris Ryan, Ethan Kerry, Jacob Kerry, Dillon Kerry, Tim Ryan, Paul Witt, Steven Russell.  

Annie Mae enjoyed her last 3 years in Atlanta living with Vanessa and Steven Russell.   This gave her an opportunity to be present and help raise her youngest grandson Dillon.    

Flowers may be sent to the Blanchard St. Denis funeral home in Natchitoches, LA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you donate to the Emmanuel Cemetery Fund. Please make checks payable to Brian Nichols, include Emmanuel Cemetery Fund in the memo line, and send to: Vanessa Russell, 115 Habersham Waters Ct., Atlanta, GA 30350. Those wishing to sign the on-line guestbook may do so at www.blanchardstdenisfuneralhome.com.