Janell Rivers Obituary

New Iberia – Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 pm Friday, January 5, 2023, at Pellerin Funeral Home for Janell Rivers, 84, who passed away on Sunday, December 31, 2023.

Entombment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Deacon Durk Viator will officiate.

Visitation will be from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm Friday at Pellerin Funeral Home.

A rosary will be prayed at 11:00 am Friday.

A native and resident of New Iberia, Janell Rivers was born on January 27, 1939, to the late Fred Patrick Landry and Annie Mae LeBlanc Landry. A beloved member of the community, her life was filled with love, warmth, and dedication to her family. Janell brought joy and happiness wherever she went. An extraordinary homemaker, her innate ability to create a warm and inviting atmosphere made her home a gathering place for friends and family alike. She was also a talented seamstress. In addition to her skill with a needle and thread, Janell had a deep interest in genealogy. Digging through old records and piecing together family histories brought her great joy. She valued the connections she unearthed and cherished the stories woven into her family's tapestry.

An avid player of Pokeno, Janell found delight in friendly competition with her loved ones. Whether it was around the kitchen table or at family gatherings, laughter and shared moments were always abundant during these spirited games.

Along with her late husband, Albert, Janell also embraced the art of woodworking, creating beautiful pieces filled with love and craftsmanship. Their joint participation in craft shows added another layer of fulfillment to their lives.

But above all else, Janell was devoted to her role as a loving mother and grandmother. She poured endless love into each member of her family. There was never a moment when Janell hesitated to lend an ear or offer words of wisdom needed most. She will be deeply missed.

Mrs. Rivers is survived by children, Roxane D. Mayfield (Travis), Nathan J. Derouen (Stacey), Kerry P. Derouen (Christine), and Trudy D. Gondron (Scott); siblings, Verla Tarver, Joyce McBride, Patsy Guidry (Dale), Daniel Landry (Julia), and Ruth Genest (Tommy); grandchildren, Andy Mayfield, Kristi Harvey (Chris), Tiffany Sonnier (Larry), Kelli Broussard (Chris), Ben Proctor (Tori), Kerry Derouen II (Danielle), Scotty Derouen (Meghan), Jacob Proctor (Destiny), Garrett Pisani (Morgan), Jesse Mayfield, Grant Derouen, and Chase Gondron (Airi); and 12 great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by first husband, Dudley J. Derouen; second husband, Albert J. Rivers Sr.; great-grandson, Mason Andrew Broussard; siblings, Russell Landry (Delores), and Earline Bourque (Ashton); and brothers-in-law, J.D. McBride and Malcolm Tarver.

Pallbearers are Andy Mayfield, Ben Proctor, Kerry Derouen II, Scotty Derouen, Jacob Proctor, Grant Derouen, Chase Gondron, and Connor Broussard.

Honorary pallbearers are Kristi Harvey, Tiffany Sonnier, Kelli Broussard, Garrett Pisani, and Jesse Mayfield.

Reading of the Holy Scripture by Kelli and Chris Broussard.

The family would like to thank the staff of Azalea Estates for extraordinary care.

As we say our final goodbyes to Janell, let us remember her for the beautiful soul she was. She was a remarkable woman, cherished by her family and all who knew her. May her memory serve as a reminder of the power of love and the profound joy that can be found in a life well-lived. May she rest in peace.

Pellerin Funeral Home, 502 Jefferson Terrace Blvd., New Iberia, LA 70560 (337-365-3331).