History & Staff

Mr. Alvin Haynes, Jr. is married to the former Stephanie Batiste. He is the son of the late Alvin Haynes, Sr. and the late Frances Emerson Haynes. He is the father of Chandra Haynes-Labrie and Alvin Haynes, III. He is the 1965 graduate of J.S. Clark High School, he also attented the University of Southwestern Louisiana and Southern University A&M College. He is a member of Holy Ghost Catholic Church. His hobbies include: traveling, cooking, golfing and spending time with his grandchildren, Ty, Peyton, Amyah and Leigh.

Mr. Vernon Haynes, Sr. is married to the former Joyce Prudhomme. He is the son of the late Alvin Haynes, Sr. & the late Frances Emerson Haynes. He is the father of Vernon Haynes, II. He is the 1966 graduate of J. S. Clark High School, he also attented Southern University A & M College in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He is a member of Inseparable Friends Beneolent Society. He is a member of the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity. He is a member of Holy Ghost Catholic Church.

Mr. Herd Guilbeau is married to the former Earline Fuselier. He is the graduate of Southern University A&M College. He is the father of Kalyn G. West (Ron) and Roderick B. Guilbeau. He is a member of Inseparable Friends Benevolent Society and a Deacon at St. Charles Barromeo Catholic Church in Grand Coteau, LA and Christ the King Mission in the community of Bellevue. where he is a member. Mr. Guilbeau is currently employed by Williams Progressive Life & Accident Insurance Company.

Mr. Joseph G. Singleton is married to the former Lillie Mae Biagase. He is a Veteran of the United States Army. He is the father of three adopted children, Lyric, Santasia and Marktavious. His hobbies include cooking and watching sports.

Mr. Juan M. Joseph is the son of former Mayor, the late John W. Joseph and the late Cecile C. Joseph. He is married to the former Janya Fontenot. He is the father of Katherine, Paige, Sy'Rie, Leah and Vernon. A product of St. Landry Parish Schools and 1983 graduate of Opelousas High, Juan obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1986 in Liberal Arts (Fine Arts) from Southern University A&M College, Baton Rouge, LA. His interests include a passion for and appreciation for the Arts and fishing. Juan is also a member at Greater Shiloh Baptist Church, where his wife serves as Minister of Music, Pastor Eric Dupre, Pastor Emeritus Robert W. Dupre. Juan maintains that we are all inextricably connected, and our futures are intertwined. "Hope allows us to see beyond what is and to imagine what can and ought to be. It is not so much an act of memory as it is an act of imagination and courage."

Jacqulyn Reed is the mother of Henli Grace Thomas and daughter of Larry Reed & Glenda Cole Reed. She is the 2004 graduate of Opelousas High School and 2008 graduate of Southern University A&M College in Baton Rouge, LA with a conferred Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice and a minor in Psychology. She is a member of Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church and Emmanuel Church of God In Christ. Her hobbies include, traveling, walking on the beach, shopping, reading and spending time with family and friends.

Mr. Travis Bush is the son of Reginald Bush and the late Marie Bush. He is married to the former Ingrid Scott of Bunkie. He is a 1992 graduate of North Central High School in LeBeau, and a 1996 graduate of Southern University and A & M College. Travis is a member of the St. Luke Baptist Church of Lemoyen.

Quinton L. Richard is married to Kaysha Calais, together they have 3 children, Ryan, Carson, and Gabrielle. Quinton is the son of Stephanie Richard Haynes and Step-son of Alvin A. Haynes, Jr. and is currently working as an apprentice funeral director. Upon completion of the required internship and passing the required state exam he looks forward to joining the ranks of the long legacy of funeral directors at Williams Funeral Home. Quinton was also conferred with a degree in Respiratory Therapy from Independence University, and is simultaneously pursuing licensure as a respiratory therapist. An avid fisherman, "Q" loves to fish and enjoys legacies passed down to him by his grandfather Allen Batiste such as making "perfect" cracklins.

Edna Lastrapes Richardson is a Licensed Funeral Director and Licensed Master Social Worker. The daughter of Bruce and Theresa Lastrapes she is a native of Port Barre, LA and current resident of Bellevue, LA. Edna attended Bethune-Cookman College in Daytona Beach, FL on a full paid basketball scholarship. She graduated in 2004 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology.
Due to her love for community and family, she moved back to Louisiana after graduating to begin her career matriculation. Edna received a Master of Social Work degree from Southern University-New Orleans in 2010 and became a licensed social worker in 2012. 
Edna is married to LP Richardson. She is the mother of Asaiah and Alijah Richardson and step mother of Amari Saunders. In her spare time she enjoys traveling, playing softball, and singing karaoke.
Edna lives by the motto "If you loose money, you've lost a lot; if you loose friends, you've lost even more, but if you loose hope, you have lost it all."

Alvin A. Haynes, III
Alvin represents the fourth generation of Williams Funeral Home, and its nearly century old legacy of family serving families.
Alvin has been a licensed Funeral Director for 25 years, serving with compassion and passion for assisting others with genuine care and concern during one of life's most challenging times.
Alvin's loving bride of almost 25 years is Fran Meaux Haynes, and he is the father of two beautiful daughters Peyton Janea, and Amyah who wear the family commission and contribute substantively to the legacy as the 5th generation of storied history of service.
Alvin is a member of Holy Ghost Catholic Church, Rev. Justin Arockiasamy, S.V.D., Pastor.
He is the son of owner, Alvin A. Haynes, Sr. "Chubby" & Joyce Haynes, nephew of owner Vernon H. Haynes and the eldest grandson of the late Alvin A, Haynes, Sr. and Frances Emmerson Haynes, the trailblazers who sustained the firm after the transition of founder and matriarch, Bernadine Williams, "Mrs. Williams.

Hailey Fuselier is the mother of Raelyn Gail and the daughter of Harold and Kathy Fuselier. She is a 2008 graduate of Beau Chene High School and a 2013 graduate of University of Louisiana at Lafayette with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education. Hailey has been PTA President at Leonville Elementary for three years. She also serves as cheer sponsor. Hailey works as support staff for Williams Funeral Home, and she works at Arpeggios Lounge & Event Center. She is a member of St. Catherine Catholic Church where she serves as secretary on the parish council, teaches catechism, and is on the committee of directors for the religious education program. Hailey also volunteers on the Event Leadership Team for the American Cancer Society of St. Landry Parish’s Relay for Life. Her hobbies include spending time with family, taking pictures, fishing, and watching her little girl dance. Hailey has completed six years of teaching in various grade levels ranging from 1st-6th grade.

Abraham Lincoln once said, " In the end, it's not the years in your life that count, It's the life in your years." Larry Reed is a retired police officer and has worked for St. Landry Parish School System as well as Opelousas Housing Authority in security for over 20 years. He is a member at Greater New Hope Baptist Church, Rev. Johnny Offord, Pastor. Larry serves as a deacon in his church and spends most of free time with his grandkids, riding around enjoying the outdoors, and serving at church. He is married to Glenda Cole Reed and father to Anegra St. Julien, the late Edmond Reed, Jessica Shepherd, Angela Thomas and Jacqulyn Reed. Larry has had several years of experience in the funeral industry, serving bereaved families is a passion for him. Larry continues to live life to the fullest while catering to the needs of the community during their time of sorrow.

Mrs. Cassandra Joyce Thornton-Kennerson has been an employee for one year. I am from Palmetto, Louisiana. I have a Bachelor's degree from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. I am married with 4 children. I am also a kindergarten teacher at Family Worship Christian Academy. I feel that a funeral is a time of remembrance. It is our pleasure to help a family create a celebration that provides them the opportunity to remember their loved one the way they want to.

In the early 1940’s, with her compassion to fill the needs of the community considering the existing of many poor families, Bernadine Williams assisted community leaders to establish People’s Burial Society. This accomplishment led to the opening of Williams Industrial Life Insurance Company. Making headway, they were fortunate to buy Progressive Life Insurance Company, which then became Williams Progressive Life & Accident Insurance Co. Presently, Williams Progressive Life & Accident, Co. has become the 4th largest African American owed insurance company in the United States. Presently, Alvin A. Haynes, Jr. serves as the chairman of the board of directors. Also, during this era, they made their son a business partner; in which, Williams Funeral Parlor’s name was proudly changed to Williams & Son.

As their son, Alvin A. Haynes, Sr. matured; he operated the funeral home with his parents until he was drafted in the war to protect and serve our country. During his active duty in the Army, M. D. Williams passed away; leaving Bernadine Williams to solely run the business.

Anticipating Alvin’s safe return, Bernadine continued to strive forward. She was known for her tender, considerate character and kind heart. Ms. Williams hired a loyal gentleman, by the name of Willie James Mitchell, who assisted her in offering all-around and reliable services to many families who lost their loved ones and received wide commendations. Alvin returned home safely and persevered in the funeral service industry.

Bernadine Williams passed in 1966. Sadly, two years later in 1968, Alvin A. Haynes, Sr. died unexpectedly of a heart attack. From that moment, Frances Haynes and her four sons; Alvin, Jr., Vernon, Gregory, and Karl Ray strived to create services sublimely beautiful.

Their matriarch Frances E. Haynes died in 2012 and shortly thereafter, her son; Karl Ray Haynes, Sr. succumbed in May of 2013.

Today the legacy continues….Williams Funeral Home, Inc. is still family owned and operated. Williams Funeral Home, Inc. serves as one of the leading funeral homes in the area. With a second location in Ville Platte, LA, their commitment to give dignified, thoughtful and personalized service is a tradition that will endure.

In the early 1940’s, with her compassion to fill the needs of the community considering the existing of many poor families, Bernadine Williams assisted community leaders to establish People’s Burial Society. This accomplishment led to the opening of Williams Industrial Life Insurance Company. Making headway, they were fortunate to buy Progressive Life Insurance Company, which then became Williams Progressive Life & Accident Insurance Co. Presently, Williams Progressive Life & Accident, Co. has become the 4th largest African American owed insurance company in the United States. Presently, Alvin A. Haynes, Jr. serves as the chairman of the board of directors. Also, during this era, they made their son a business partner; in which, Williams Funeral Parlor’s name was proudly changed to Williams & Son.

As their son, Alvin A. Haynes, Sr. matured; he operated the funeral home with his parents until he was drafted in the war to protect and serve our country. During his active duty in the Army, M. D. Williams passed away; leaving Bernadine Williams to solely run the business.

Anticipating Alvin’s safe return, Bernadine continued to strive forward. She was known for her tender, considerate character and kind heart. Ms. Williams hired a loyal gentleman, by the name of Willie James Mitchell, who assisted her in offering all-around and reliable services to many families who lost their loved ones and received wide commendations. Alvin returned home safely and persevered in the funeral service industry.

After his return, Alvin A. Haynes, Sr. was joined in holy matrimony with Frances Emerson Haynes. They were blessed with four sons. Frances work side by side with her husband and her mother-in law to operate the business. As the funeral home and family grew larger, they decided to change the funeral Home to Williams Funeral Home, Inc. in 1963.

Bernadine Williams passed in 1966. Sadly, two years later in 1968, Alvin A. Haynes, Sr. died unexpectedly of a heart attack. From that moment, Frances Haynes and her four sons; Alvin, Jr., Vernon, Gregory, and Karl Ray strived to create services sublimely beautiful.

In Memoriam
Mr. Karl Raymond Haynes, Sr.
“Karl Ray”
We, Williams Funeral Home, mourn the loss of our beloved brother, Mr. Karl Haynes, Sr., 59, who took his last breath Tuesday night, May 14, 2013 at Opelousas General Health System in Opelousas, LA. We celebrate his life at 11:00 A.M. Monday, May 20, 2013 at Holy Ghost Catholic Church, 732 N. Union Street, Opelousas, LA.
Mr. Haynes was laid to rest at Serenity Memorial Park in Opelousas, LA.
His soft spoken voice and his will to help others, will forever live on through his family, his loving wife, Mrs. Barbara Lavergne Haynes of Opelousas, LA; a daughter, Angela Thibodeaux (Christopher) of Baton Rouge, LA; three sons, Karl Haynes, II, Devon Batiste and Kendrick Bushnell all of Opelousas, LA; three brothers, Alvin “Chubby” Haynes, Jr. (Stephanie), Vernon Haynes, Sr. (Joyce) and Gregory Haynes, Sr. (Evette) all of Opelousas, LA; 5 grandchildren, Christopher, Anthony, Justin, Tyreik and Clarence and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and special friends.

Mr. Gregory Haynes, Sr. was married to the former Evette Richard. He was the son of the late Alvin Haynes, Sr. & the late Frances Emerson Haynes. He was the father of Ron Haynes, Jared Haynes and Gregory Haynes, II. He was a graduate of Delgado Community College with a degree in Funeral Service. His hobbies included: fishing, cooking and swimming. He is a member of Holy Ghost Catholic Church.
In Memoriam
“Big Gregory”
We at Williams Funeral Home, mourn the loss of our beloved brother, Mr. Gregory G. Haynes, Sr., 61, who took his last breath, on the morning of, April 26, 2019, surrounded by his family. Funeral services celebrating his life were held at 11:00 AM Friday, May 3, 2019 at Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Opelousas, LA.
Gregory was an instrumental part of the legacy of service that is Williams Funeral Home, as he served thousands of families in the mortuary care provided for their loved ones throughout St. Landry/Evangeline Parishes and surrounding communities during a long career.

Mr. Albert A. Avilla, Sr. is the son of the late Richard A. Avilla and Elizabeth Darbonne Avilla. He is married to the former Rachel M. Goodwin. He is the father of three children Albert, Jr. Armand and Angelique. He is a product of the St. Landry Parish School System and a proud member of the Opelousas High School Class of 1983. He graduated from Louisiana State University in the spring of 1991. Albert received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Secondary Education. He is a former educator with 23 years of experience in the St. Landry Parish School System. Albert is a member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Lawtell, LA, Rev. Stanley Jawa, S.V.D., Pastor.
Al is an avid reader of fantasy fiction and is dedicated to serving others. He finds inspiration in the quote by Mother Teresa, "Give your hands to serve, and your hearts to love."

Nigel A. Poole is the son of Lisa Poole and Ivory Chevis. He graduated from North Central High School in Lebeau, Louisiana, and attended Beau Chene High School. At Lawtell Elementary, he works as a paraprofessional, and he is also enrolled in American College of Education.Under the leadership of Pastor Eric Dupre, he attends Greater Shiloh Baptist Church.

Nigel is an intern funeral director at the moment. He is eager to join the distinguished line of funeral directors at Williams Funeral Home after completing the necessary internship and passing the state exam.

14:27 "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."