Novella Taylor

Opelousas- A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Novella Taylor at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 29, 2019, at the Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church. MSGR. Keith J. DeRouen will celebrate the Mass. Rite of Committal will follow in the Bellevue Memorial Park.

Novella, age 84, passed away on Friday, June 28, 2019 at her home.

Novella is the mother of six, grandmother of 14 and a great grandmother to 24, she was deeply loved and will be missed by not just her family but her community. In addition to raising her family, she had two successful careers, volunteered with numerous groups and mentored many young men and women.

Her accomplishments were many. She began her career in banking in the early 1950s. Throughout her banking career she worked at Planters Bank, American Bank and First National Bank, all in Opelousas. While working she continued her education graduating from School of Banking of the South at LSU-BR. After graduating she continue her education at both University of Colorado and University of Southwest Louisiana (now ULL.) She served as a Notary Public in St. Landry Parish for over 50 years.

During her banking career she served as a mentor to the “Future Business Leaders of America” club at Opelousas Senior High School, in the state, and on a national level. For many years, she led tours of high school students on an annual trip to Washington, DC and gave lectures at high schools on the banking and business industry.

She was a true trailblazer, serving as the first female President of St. Landry Parish Chamber of Commerce, and the first female bank officer in the state of Louisiana. Additionally, in 1973, the Chamber honored her as “Person of the Year”.

She was an active member of the Pilot Club, the Red Hats, Unique Club, French Club, Opelousas Little Theater and the Jaycee Janes.

She was a devoted member of Queen of Angels Church, so much that her second career was working in the church office, belonging to the Alter Society, Come Lord Jesus and serving as an Eucharistic Minister. She was honored by the Diocese of Lafayette receiving the Bishop’s Service Medal.

She is survived by children, Charlotte (Donald) Fitzgerald of Opelousas, Mark (Sandra) Taylor of Opelousas, Jeanette Taylor, of Opelousas, Annette (Ricky) Gennuso of Opelousas, Gregg (Tina) Taylor of Opelousas, and Monica Taylor of Baton Rouge; grandchildren, Meredith Andrus, Lauren (David) Underwood, Alexandra (Donnie) Haney, Jodi Taylor, Ashley (Brad) Guidroz, Emily (Justin) Turner, Tiffany (Ed) Smith, Kelli (Mike) Allbritton, Mindy (Clint) Andrus, Nicholas (Susannah) Gennuso, Brooke LeBlanc, Abby Taylor and Holly Taylor; and 24 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jimmy and Florentine Pitre Reed; the love of her life her husband, Alvin Taylor; sister; brothers; sister-in-laws; brother-in-law; her beloved niece; friend, Joyce Bourque and her grandson, Mark (Mat) Trahan.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, June 29, 2019 from 9:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. in the Sibille Funeral Home. The rosary will be recited by Deacon Jerome Collins at 12:00 p.m.

Pallbearers will be Mark Taylor, Gregg Taylor, Donnie Fitzgerald, Ricky Gennuso, Nicholas Gennuso, Ed Smith, Clint Andrus David Bourque, Zach Smith, Roderick Latiolas, honorary pallbearers will be David Underwood, Donnie Haney, Brad Guidroz, Justin Turner, and Mike Allbritton.

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