Josephine Coutee

A Mass of Christian Burial for Mrs. Josephine Coutee (Aunt Byrd) will be held at 11 am on Saturday, August 25, 2018, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Cloutierville with Rev. Marc Noel and Rev. Christian Ogbonna serving as co-celebrants.  Burial will follow at St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 9:30 am on Saturday the 25th at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Cloutierville.  Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be at 10:30 am. Josephine Coutee, 100 years young, went to accept her eternal place with our heavenly father on August 20, 2018, while at Natchitoches Regional Medical Center.  Josephine was born down Cane River to the late Vidal and Marie’ (Rachal) Bayonne Hayward on November 25, 1917. She leaves behind to cherish her memory her sister, Ella D. Byone of Natchitoches; and the man she raised as her own, Daniel Beaudion (Mary Ann) of Natchitoches; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, great and great-great nieces and nephews with extended family and friends. Josephine was preceded in death by her husband, Jimmie Coutee; four brothers, Edward Byone of South Gate, CA, Edris Byone of Cloutierville, Richard Byone of New Orleans, and Norris Byone of Natchitoches; two sisters, Mary Lena Byone and Ruby Byone both of Cloutierville. Since childhood, Aunt Byrd, was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Cloutierville.  She moved to Chicago and lived in many other places but ultimately returned home and of recent in Natchitoches.  She began attending Holy Cross Catholic Church whenever possible otherwise she attended the services held at Cane Garden apartments.   She lived her faith in God and was a great role model for us to follow.  She shared her precious love, wisdom, and friendship with her gentle spirit and generous heart to all that knew her.  She always was there to help others and was more concerned about the wellbeing of others before her own.  She enjoyed talking and laughing over a cup of coffee with a story from the “good ole days”.  Her mind was very sharp and she could remember family and friends’ names and events that occurred way back just like it was yesterday.  Aunt Byrd could still speak fluent French and with a heavy accent she continued to tell her family stories of how she grew up and how the world has changed over the years.  She told family and friends on her 100th birthday her secret to a long life was “the secret is I never smoked or drank whiskey”. We are sure she has touched so many lives.  Although we may no longer be able to call her or drop in for that cup of coffee, we feel she will be watching over us and will give us her genuine smile.  Aunt Byrd, we have been blessed to have you as our angel watching over us.  You will continue to live in our hearts and we love you and miss you. Those honored to serve as pallbearers include Daniel James Beaudion, Marvin Byone, Jr., Rodger Byone, Jr., Jeremy Bayonne, Melvin Legaux, II, and Brent Thomas.  Honorary pallbearers will be Marvin Byone, Sr., Rodger Byone, Sr., Norris Byone, Jr., David Byone, Andrew Byone, Harrison Bayonne, Sr., Waylon Metoyer and Horace Bayonne.The family of Aunt Byrd wishes to extend our sincere thanks to all the Doctors, Nurses, Family and Friends that were with her during her time of need.