Josephine "Jo Nell" Darby

Breaux Bridge - A Funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM, on Monday, February 13, 2023, at St. Bernard Catholic Church, for Josephine Nellie Darby, 86, who passed away at Louisiana Extended Care Hospital in Lafayette.

A visitation will take place at the funeral home on Sunday, February 12, 2023, from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM and will continue on Monday, from 7:00 AM to 9:30 AM.

A rosary will be prayed at 6:00 PM on Sunday.

Rev. Blake Dubroc will officiate at the Funeral Mass. Readers will be Jensie Darby Guilbeau and Simone Benoit. Gift Bearers will be Oliver Benoit and Monica Domingue.

Jonell Darby passed away on February 5, 2023, surrounded by family. She was born Josephine Nellie LeBlanc on July 13, 1936, to Frances and Alice Guidry LeBlanc. She was the oldest of nine. Most people who didn't call her "mom", "sister" or "grandmawmaw" knew her as Miss Jo.

After she married James “Jim” Darby in 1957, she set off on an adventure traveling the US, gaining lifelong friends, and raising 5 children of her own, four rowdy boys and one darling little girl, before settling back in her hometown of Breaux Bridge, Louisiana. Among her many successes, she retired as a 20-year member of the Breaux Bridge police department.

Over the course of several years, she and Jim lovingly restored the Sibille house, an 1800s home in Sunset, LA. During their time there they played host for countless unforgettable meals, holiday celebrations and weddings where Jonell's curated collection of antiques and manicured gardens served as a romantic backdrop for so many "I do's".

Her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were her pride and joy and her family and countless friends will undoubtedly remember her warmth, poise, fine taste and extraordinary generosity and hospitality. Jo Nell’s passion was cooking and baking, which brought her great joy sharing it with others.

She is survived by her daughter, Jacqueline Wack (Mike); sons, Jude Darby (Elaine), James Elwood "Jed" Darby, Jr. (Debbie), and Joseph "JoJo" Darby (Amanda); brothers, Jack LeBlanc, David LeBlanc, and Charlie LeBlanc (Mary Ann); sisters, Rookie LeBlanc (Erral), and  Karen Miller (Ronnie); grandchildren, Phillip Darby, Aaron Darby, Jensie D. Guilbeau, Julian Darby, John Darby, Blaise Benoit, and Simone Benoit; and her great grandchildren, Banks Guilbeau, Boss Guilbeau, Darby Guilbeau, Rosie Darby, Callen Darby, and Oliver Benoit.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Francis and Alice Guidry LeBlanc; husband, James "Jim" Darby; son, John Darby; and her brothers, Gary LeBlanc, Robert LeBlanc, Sr., and Andy LeBlanc.

Pallbearers will be Blaise Benoit, Phillip Darby, Aaron Darby, Mike Wack, Erral LeBlanc, and Ronnie Miller.

Honorary pallbearers will be Jude Darby, James “Jed” Darby, Jr., Joseph “JoJo” Darby, John Darby, Julian Darby, Jack LeBlanc, David LeBlanc, Charlie LeBlanc, and Pat Menard.

Pellerin Funeral Home, 211 Berard St., Breaux Bridge, LA 70517 (337-332-2111) is in charge of arrangements.