Marlene Thevenote

Funeral services for Marlene Ann Morrow Thevenote of Cottonport will be held on Saturday, February 8, 2014 beginning at 10:30am at St. Marys Assumption Catholic Church of Cottonport with Fr. Jose Sanchez officiating. Burial will follow at the St. Marys No. 1 Cemetery in Cottonport. Visitation will be held at St. Marys Assumption Catholic Church in Cottonport on Friday, February 7, 2014, beginning at 5pm until 9pm with a rosary wake service at 7pm. The church will reopen Saturday morning at 9am. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Escud Funeral Home.
Marlene Thevenote, age 78, passed away on Wednesday, February 5, 2014 at her home in Cottonport. She is preceded in death by her parents, G.E. and Tevis Morrow and her brother Keith Morrow all of Cottonport.
She was born in Cottonport on October 26, 1935. Marlene graduated from Cottonport High School as a valedictorian in 1953. She married William Joseph Thevenote of Mansura, LA on January 24, 1957. Their love story began in 7th grade and their married life spanned 57 years. Marlene was a devoted wife and mother to her three children. She was a stay at home mom until her last child entered kindergarten at which time she attended Louisiana College to pursue an art degree. Marlene excelled in the academic environment finishing magna cum laude in her graduating class. She went on to Northwestern University to obtain her masters degree.
Upon graduation, she taught art at Alexandria Senior High School from 1975 until 1980. It was rare to find Marlene without an art project nearby. She created beautiful works of art until the last week of her life. Art was an intimate form of expression that she shared with her family, friends and community. Much of Marlenes art expressed her profound faith in Jesus Christ and love for his Holy Mother Mary. Her entire life she was a faithful servant and active member of the Catholic Church. She was a member of the Altar Society at Prompt Succor Church and later St. Marys Assumption in Cottonport. She and Billy were founding members of Little Rock Scripture study groups. She was a Eucharistic minister with Fr. Chris at Cabrini Hospital.
Marlenes other lifelong passion was tennis. She began playing tennis in elementary school. She went on to play for Cottonport High School winning several state titles from 19491953. Marlenes passion for competitive tennis flourished into adulthood. She was a member of the Alexandria Aquatic and Racquet Club and became a fixture on the courts. She and her dear friend Betty Kurfiss became a force to be contended with throughout the state of Louisiana. They played singles and doubles winning many championships. Marlene and Billy passed their passion for tennis to their children and grandchildren. Nothing made Marlene happier than sitting on the side of a tennis court whether oppressive heat or freezing temperatures watching her grandchildren battle out a match in a tennis tournament. Marlene also looked forward to holidays where her family played tennis on her sons court which is now dedicated in her honor. She greatly appreciated all of her tennis friends and foes.
After obtaining a family farm in 1985 Marlene became fondly known as the goat lady. She raised many exotic and domestic animals. Her nurturing spirit grew the farm into a place of enjoyment for all who come to feed the goats or watch the babies bounding in the fields. We suspect that her animals knew her love for them was unconditional they loved her in return.
Marlene is also the author of one book, Two Houses of Love, and just completed the manuscript for a second book, The Journey. Our family and friends will miss the passionate, creative and faithful spirit of Marlene. We have peace in knowing she will now be healed in the arms of Our Father.
Those left to cherish her are: children: Cathy T. Chesney of Baton Rouge, David Thevenote, Sr. Terri of Cottonport, and Tracie T. Aguillard Daniel of Baton Rouge grandchildren, Delaune Chesney Carlson John, David Thevenote, Jr. Lacey, Tevis Chesney, Marlee Thevenote, Colby Chesney, Darren Thevenote, Brendan Aguillard, Lily Aguillard, William Aguillard two greatgrandchildren: Graison Thevenote and Sophie Thevenote stepgrandchildren: Jonathan Jordan Lafitte brother, George Morrow Debbie of California sister, Phyllis Lemoine Ernie of Cottonport.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers are: David Thevenote, Jr., Darren Thevenote, Jonathan Laflitte, Tevis Chesney, John Carlson, Brendan Aguillard, William Aguillard, and Greg Johnson and crossbearer will be Lacey Thevenote.
The family would like to send special thanks to Dr. Steven Saccaro the staff of Cabrini Cancer Center. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St. Marys Catholic School in Cottonport in memory of Marlene Thevenote.