Ms. Wilda Mae Semien Guillory

Wilda Mae Semien Guillory Wilda Mae Semien Guillory, 92, of Lawtell, Louisiana, a devoted and loving homemaker whose life reflected God’s love through her care for others, peacefully entered into eternal rest on March 31, 2026, at The Calcutta House in Lafayette, Louisiana. Ms. Guillory was born on January 12, 1934, in Mallet, Louisiana, to Wilda Semien and Edolia Guillory. After losing her mother as an infant, her father later married Wilda Papillion Semien. Their union brought forth six children, making her the eldest of seven—a role she embraced with strength, grace, and a nurturing spirit. Ms. Guillory found great joy in her role as a homemaker and, above all, as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, faithfully pouring love into all she did. She truly embodied the essence of a Proverbs 31 woman—clothed in strength and dignity, caring for her household with grace, wisdom, and unwavering love. She enjoyed sewing, quilting, cooking, and baking, often blessing others with her gifts. She cherished long phone conversations with her siblings and friends in her native language, Creole French, and found peace in quiet moments visiting on the porch. She also found joy in listening to and dancing to zydeco music, or as she would call it, “the French la la.” Her heart remained deeply connected to farm life, where she took pride in tending to animals and caring for crops, flowers, and plants. She delighted in breeding hamsters and rabbits, creating meaningful opportunities for her grandchildren to learn responsibility and experience the joy of nurturing animals. Through these simple yet meaningful acts, she reflected a life rooted in love, faith, and devotion to family. Her warmth and unwavering care created a legacy of compassion that lives on in all who knew and loved her. She found strength in prayer and remained grounded in her faith, turning to God in both moments of joy and hardship. She routinely attended Saturday Mass and prayed her rosary daily, living out her faith with quiet devotion and consistency. A woman of deep faith, Ms. Guillory remained actively engaged in her church and community throughout her life. She was a devoted and longtime member of the Catholic Ladies Auxiliary of St. Ann Catholic Church, where she served faithfully. She attained the Fourth Degree, recognized among the Ladies of Grace, the highest honor and meritorious rank for women in the Order of the Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary. This premier rank reflects a commitment to continued service, patriotism, and Catholic leadership. Through her service, she exemplified grace, dedication, and unwavering faith, leaving a lasting impact on all who knew her. For decades, she also dedicated herself as a Senior Companion volunteer, offering comfort, care, and companionship to those in need, especially the elderly. In 2017, she was recognized by the St. Landry Parish Community Action Agency for her unwavering service and presented with a 20-Year Service Award for her commitment to the community and the Senior Companion Program. Her servant heart and commitment to helping others were a true reflection of Christ’s love, and her kindness touched countless lives. She was lovingly known as “Momo” by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, a name filled with love and cherished memories. By many, she will be fondly remembered for the dignity, style, and grace with which she lived her life. Remaining to cherish Ms. Guillory’s memory are her two daughters, Audrey Guillory (Ogden) of Opelousas, LA and Laura Ann Williams (John) of Lafayette, LA; her son, Ferrol Guillory of Lafayette; and her sister, Francis Citizen of Carencro, LA. She also leaves to cherish her memory her sister-in-law, Elnora Semien; her goddaughter, Gail Semien Jackson; and a host of beloved nieces and nephews: Staphaney Anderson, Theresa Richard, Myra Thomas, Danielle Lewis, LaKeisha Citizen, Tameka Semien-Turner, Scotty Richard, Mark Semien, John Semien, Tony Richard, Chad Semien, James Lewis, and Bryan Thomas, along with a host of great and great-great nieces and nephews. She is also lovingly remembered by her four granddaughters: Nicole Jenkins, Kayla Joseph Jones (Tommy), Ashlyn Williams, and Alexis Guillory; and three grandsons: Marcus Guillory, Jamaal Joseph, and Adriel Williams. Her legacy continues through her great-grandchildren: DeMarcus, Madison, TySean, and Neveah. She was preceded in death by her parents, Willie Semien and Edolia Guillory; and the woman who accepted and raised her as her own, Wilda Papillion Semien; her first husband, Chester Guillory; her second husband, Roosevelt Guillory, her son, Frederick Guillory and four infant children: Shelton Guillory, Nichole Guillory, and a set of unnamed twins. She was also preceded in death by her brothers, Nolton Semien and Joseph Semien; her sisters, Joyce Semien, Ruby Thomas, and Willie Mae Richard; and a companion, Sidney Victorian. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at St. Ann Catholic Church in the community of Mallet, Louisiana. Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026, from 9:00 AM until 12:30 PM at Williams Funeral Home. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Reverend Stanley Jawa, S.V.D. Family and friends are invited to share words of comfort, support and memories with the family by visiting the online guestbook at www.williamsfuneralhomes.net Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Williams Funeral Home of Opelousas, 337-942-2037.

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Ms. Wilda Mae Semien Guillory

January 12, 1934 - March 31, 2026