Velma Castille

Ville Platte- Velma Castille, nee Manuel, was born on March 13, 1928 and passed away on April, 6, 2026 at Lafayette General. She grew up the daughter of tenant farmers in Chataignier, Louisiana. After graduation from high school, she earned her associate degree in secretarial science. Later while working in Illinois, she was offered a managerial position at Farmers’ Insurance. This offer was not typical for women of that day.

When she returned to Louisiana, she went to work at the state welfare department until her daughter graduated from college.

Velma and her husband (Don Castille) were married for many wonderful years. They often hosted and attended community suppers and gatherings. During the last four years of Don’s life, Velma affectionately nursed and attended to his care while eventually losing him to esophageal cancer.

Velma was a voracious reader and may sure her daughter attained the college education.

She had strong support system of local ladies. They all traveled together for lunch and performances that they enjoyed throughout the south Louisiana region. Her love of traveling took her to many foreign destinations.

Through the years, she lived her life as a Christian. She lovely nursed her mother and father, and mother-in-law, who all passed from cancer.

Velma, who was 98 when she died, was a student of history and took great enjoyment of sharing her stories and experiences of these historical events.

She spent the last 9 years of her life living with her daughter, Patricia Castille Langlinais in Lafayette.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Velma on, Friday, April 10, 2026 at 11:00 in the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Ville Platte, LA. Burial to follow at Evangeline Memorial Park in Ville Platte, LA. Michelle Cramer will be the lector for the mass. The pallbearers are Rob LaFleur, Ronald LaFleur, Ivan LaFleur, Glen LaFleur, Bobby LaFleur, and John Lewis.

In lieu of flowers and plants, donations maybe made to any of the following: Pallative Care and/or Food with Love with Hospice of Acadiana, St. Joseph’s Diner, and Acadiana Animal Aid.

Words of Comfort to the family may be expressed at www.sibillefuneralhomes.com. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Sibille Funeral Home of Opelousas.