Shirley Melancon Guilbeau

June 26, 1932 - January 15, 2021

Funeral services will be held on Monday, January 18, 2021, at 1:00 P.M. Mass of Christian Burial in St. Mary Mother of the Church, Catholic Church in Lafayette, Louisiana for Shirley Melancon Guilbeau, age 88, who passed away Friday evening, January 15, 2021 at her residence in Lafayette surrounded by family. Interment will be in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. Reverend Cedric Sonnier, Pastor of St. Mary Mother of the Church in Lafayette, Louisiana, will conduct the funeral services. For family members and friends who are unable to attend on Monday, January 18, 2021, at 1:00 PM, the service will be live-streamed to a Memorial Facebook Group dedicated to Shirley Melancon Guilbeau. To join the group, click the link below and then "join group". The video will appear on this group at service time 1:00 PM. You may also share memories, pictures and condolences to the family in this group. Facebook link: www.facebook.com/groups/shirleymelanconguilbeau/ Shirley was born June 26, 1932, in Freeport, Texas, a daughter of the late Marie Martin Melancon and Joseph O. Melancon. She was preceded in death by one son, David Allen and one son-in-law Bradley Trahan. She was a member of St. Mary Mother of the Church and enjoyed traveling, cooking, and spending time with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Shirley is survived by her husband of sixty-nine years Charles Ned Guilbeau, Sr, two sons, two daughters-in-law and one daughter. Charles Ned Guilbeau, Jr. (Veda) of Lafayette, Louisiana, Annette Guilbeau Trahan of Lafayette, Louisiana and Merlin Jude Guilbeau (Robbie) of Arlington, Texas. Four granddaughters, Emilie Schexnayder, Leslie Guilbeaux, Angela Poche, Naomie Fitzgerald. Eleven great grandchildren, Devin Richard, Corey Schexnayder, Chloe Poche, Kale Schexnayder, Braden Poche, Trey Schexnayder, Carson Guilbeaux, Eli Fitzgerald, Davis Guilbeaux, Rosie Fitzgerald, Cambri Guilbeaux. She was employed at Lafayette Wood-Works for numerous years as their bookkeeper until she retired to care for her mother for thirteen years. She was also a licensed beautician and instructor. Our fondest memories of our Mother and Granny were her love of laughter- Sometimes, we could get her to laugh so hard, she would throw her head back, her whole body shaking, tears rolling down her face. Her laugh was contagious. Her love of gift giving - Christmas at Granny’s was the best. She was always so thoughtful and creative in how she gave gifts. At holiday meals, we had plenty of her delicious food, and she would be sure we ate until we could not eat another bite. Pallbearers will be Charles Guilbeau, Jr., Merlin Guilbeau, Devin Richard, Billy Guilbeaux, Carl Schexnayder, Trae Fitzgerald. Honorary Pallbearers will be Brian Poche and Steve Salsman. The family requests that visitation be observed in Martin & Castille's DOWNTOWN location on Monday from 9:00 AM until time of service. (Mask will be required) A Rosary will be prayed by Ellen Arceneaux (niece) at 11:00 AM in Martin & Castille Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made in Mrs. Shirley Melancon Guilbeau's name to Hospice of Acadiana. A heartfelt appreciation is extended by the Guilbeau family to her caregivers, Annette (daughter), Ramona, Hilda and the entire team at Hospice of Acadiana. A special thank you to Dr. Stephen Salopek for the many years of caring for our mother. View the obituary and guestbook online at www.mourning.com Martin & Castille-DOWNTOWN-330 St. Landry St., Lafayette, LA 70506, 337-234-2311