Obituary of "Gladys" Joy DeBlieux

A funeral Mass for Mrs. "Gladys" Joy DeBlieux is scheduled for 2 PM Friday, January 9, 2026 at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Fr. Kelby Tingle officiating. Interment will follow in St. Joseph Catholic Church Cemetery. A time of visitation will be held Thursday evening from 5 PM until 7 PM at Golden Funeral Home. Joy Deblieux, age 92, of Bastrop, Louisiana, passed away peacefully on January 2, 2026. She was born on August 4, 1933, in Rayville, Louisiana, to Martish and Carlos Carter, the first of three children. The Carter family later moved to Bastrop, where Joy met the love of her life, Walter “W.V.” DeBlieux. They were married on October 7,1950, and shared a devoted and happy marriage for nearly 69 years, until W.V.’s passing on January 9, 2021. Joy was preceded in death by her parents, Martish and Carlos Carter; her beloved husband, W.V. DeBlieux; her daughter, Donna Kay DeBlieux; her granddaughter, Erin DeBlieux; and her brother, Shelby Carter. Joy was known for her deeply caring heart, which was evident in every part of her life. She showed remarkable strength and devotion while working alongside her husband and lovingly caring for her daughter Donna Kay, who was severely disabled. Together, Joy and W.V. helped found the Lucy Hudson School—now known as the ARC of Morehouse—which continues to serve children and adults with special needs. Joy dedicated over 35 years of her life to teaching. She was also a familiar and cherished presence in area nursing homes, where she made sure the elderly were visited, remembered, and loved. In later years, she often brought her grandchildren along, teaching them compassion by example. Joy was the heart of her neighborhood. She hosted Christmas gatherings for neighbors and was famous for “Aunt Joy’s Punch,” which she kept frozen by the gallon for surprise visits. There was always a hot pot of coffee, snacks on hand, and an open invitation to sit at her dining table for a long, meaningful conversation. Shopping trips with Joy were never quick—she never met a stranger and was always ready to visit awhile. She faithfully served as coordinator for her neighborhood and for the Saint Joseph Catholic Church Bereavement Committee, ensuring flowers were sent to families who had lost loved ones, until her Alzheimer’s diagnosis in 2015. Joy was a devoted Catholic who regularly attended Adoration, prayed the Rosary, and never wavered in her Christian faith. Her faith was a steady source of strength for her family, especially during times when her grandchildren faced health challenges. Family was central to Joy’s life. Sunday dinners were sacred, and her famous fried chicken was a favorite—especially requested by her grandson Jonathan. Even W.V.’s coworkers at International Paper knew and loved Joy’s chicken, often requesting it for special occasions or surprise drop-offs at the back gate. Her love for her children, grandchildren, and extended family was truly unmatched. Later in life, Joy continued serving her community through work on the Zoning Committee and projects such as litter abatement. Never one to shy away from sharing her opinion, her honesty and strong convictions were hallmarks of her character—and will be dearly missed. Joy is survived by her daughter, Cindy Hendrix husband, Glen of Bastrop, Louisiana; her son, Larry DeBlieux, wife Tia of Savannah, Georgia; her grandchildren, Christina Hendrix, Chris Hendrix, fiancé Melissa McCone, Jonathan Hendrix, Derek DeBlieux, and Dr. Tyler DeBlieux wife Kelsey; her great-grandchildren, Austin Williamson, Dustin Williamson, Anna Pruitt, Bradyn Hendrix, wife Sarah Beth, Parker Hendrix, Jackson DeBlieux, and Lillian DeBlieux; her great-great-grandchild, Evelyn Johnson; and her sister, June Craig. The family would like to extend special appreciation to Joy’s devoted caregivers and dear friends—Brenda Malone, Renee Looney, Rosie Williams, Sharon Logan, Billie Wilson, Deborah Bullock, Lucille Sanders, Eula Collins—and the compassionate staff of Passages Hospice. Your kindness, patience, and loving care brought comfort and dignity to Joy and peace to our family. Pallbearers will be Chris Hendrix, Derek DeBlieux, Tyler DeBlieux, Bruce Craig, Ronnie Compton, and Steve Hebert. Honorary Pallbearers Jonathan Hendrix, Steve Stephenson, and David Bass. Joy DeBlieux lived a life of faith, service, love, and community. Her legacy will continue through the many lives she touched and the family she cherished so deeply. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church at 217 Harrington Ave., Bastrop LA 71220 or Keep Morehouse Beautiful at PO Box 178 Bastrop, LA 71220