Mary Elizabeth Hyatt Windom's Obituary
Mary Elizabeth Hyatt Windom was born on March 19, 1929. Her passing on August 1, 2021 at her home was peaceful. She was 92 years old. Mary was born and raised in Franklinton, LA and lived her entire married life in Belle Chasse, LA. As a child she was baptized at the Franklinton Bethel Baptist Church and became a member of the First Baptist Church in Belle Chasse upon her marriage.
Mary was the fifth born of eleven children to the late Fred D. Hyatt and Ella Mae Goings Hyatt. She was predeceased by her husband, the love of her life, Willie A. Windom, a veteran of WWII. Also predeceased by a devoted son, W. Earl Windom; a loving daughter-in-law, Stella Scott Windom; and her 10 siblings, Woodrow Hyatt, Denman Hyatt, Martin Hyatt, Ruth Hyatt Cox, James Hyatt, Mildred Hyatt Meladine, Freddie Mae Hyatt Corley, Lindsey Hyatt, Delores Hyatt Helton, Jean Hyatt Wright, and a still-born girl. Thought of as a daughter and fostered by the Windom family during the late 50’s, Janell Dillon Martin, preceded her in death, as well.
She will be greatly missed by the living legacy she leaves in her adoring family: her son, Olan Windom; her daughter, Sharon Windom Bustin (Radford Bustin, Jr.); her daughter-in-law, Willette Koll Windom; her grandchildren, Michelle Windom Burks (Dr. Christopher Burks), Christine Windom and Scott A. Windom (Cristina Morales Windom); her great-grandchildren, Grayson Burks, Cooper Burks, Maxwell Burks, Radford Windom and Magnolia Windom.
Like many of the Depression Era, Mary was a tenacious person with an excellent work ethic and a strong belief in self-reliance, which she instilled in her children. Her life and love revolved around her family. She reveled in their successes and supported their every move, loving them unconditionally always. Many sacrifices were made by Mary for her children, to provide more for them both materially and with educational opportunities that she herself was not afforded. This came back to her in the end when her family sacrificed and personally cared for her at home till her passing which was her wish.
She loved to cook and had a passion for growing flowers. Her family was kept closely knit, by Mary hosting large meals for holidays and every Sunday with her delicious home cooking. Her gardening skills were reflected in her yard where her wide variety of flowers were enjoyed by the neighborhood. Her favorite flower was the one currently blooming. She experienced rebirth every spring when flowers began to bloom, and trees started to bud. Mary loved animals and made comfortable homes for the many cats who “adopted her” through the years.
Mary was the oldest surviving member of the founding families of the Kimble Street neighborhood, where her husband built the home in which she remained since 1955. She thought of her neighbors as family and enjoyed raising her children in their mist.
The family wishes to remember and thank the many people who helped Mary through the years. Remembered fondly are the late Rev. Kenny and Anne Moore and the late Dr. Austin J. Wingerter. Thanks go to: Dr. Patty Jackson, Dr. Fredrick Kushner, Dr. Matthew Grimm, Dr. Michel Lebrun, Dr. Bruce Germer, Dr. David Colburn, Maria Hernandez EDDA, Shaun Lopez PT and most notably Dr. Jim Theis. For the attentive eyes of John and Brenda Adams of the Senior Watch Program for Plaquemines Parish the family is grateful. To all who sent or brought flowers, cards, and food through the years, most dearly, Kathy Hebert, Edie Morvant and Stephanie Lewis, thank you. Thanks also to the staff from Heart of Hospice for the assistance and compassion during her final days, especially Dr. Christopher Joplin, Tracy Spottesville CNA, Michelle Gunnells RN, and Lessa Devay RN. Everyone who aided in Mary’s well-being through the years were considered “angels” by Mary and her family and are much appreciated and loved. She held a special place in her heart for all of them.
A private, immediate-family only memorial service will be held with internment in the Old Bogue Falaya Cemetery, Folsom, LA. To honor Mary please pay forward your blessings and love to those in need. To extend condolences online to the Windom family visit E. J. Fielding Funeral Home at www.ejfieldingfh.com. E. J. Fielding Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
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