Lois Elaine Starks

New Iberia – Funeral services will be held at Pellerin Funeral Home at 1:00 pm on Monday, January 6, 2025, for Lois Elaine Starks, 90, who passed away on Wednesday, January 1, 2025. 

Interment will follow at Rosehill Cemetery. 

Rev. Spencer Beach and Rev. David Furka will officiate.  

Visitation will be at Pellerin Funeral Home from 9:00 am until 1:00 pm on Monday, with Recitation of the Rosary at 11:00 am. 

Lois Elaine Starks, a beloved matriarch, devoted mother, and fashionista, was born on November 17, 1934, in Grant Parish, to the late Frank E. and Sybil Hale Starks. Elaine spent her life not only shaping the style and elegance of those around her but also nurturing a warm and loving home for her family.

For over 55 years, Elaine dedicated herself to her career as a hairdresser, creating beauty and confidence in others from her charming beauty shop attached to her home. Her artistry was more than just a profession; it was a testament to her passion for helping people feel their best. 

Elaine was an extraordinary mother who raised five children with unconditional love and tireless dedication. She was a great cook, always ensuring that a hot, delicious meal was waiting for her children when they came home from school. 

With a flair for fashion, Elaine was a true style icon—a diva and queen of elegance. Her impeccable taste and eye for beauty were often admired. As a past member of the New Iberia High School homecoming court, she carried herself with grace and style, always embodying the essence of a lady. 

Elaine found joy in the little things, like shopping adventures at TJ Maxx and Dillard's, where she delighted in exploring an array of perfumes and moisturizers. Each trip was an opportunity to pick out something special, reflecting her vibrant personality and love for life's finer details.

Elaine had a passion for the serenity of the beach and the tranquility that came with gardening. The beauty of nature resonated deeply with her spirit, and her garden was a reflection of her nurturing nature.

Ms. Starks is survived by four daughters, Pamela Guiberteau (Gerald J. Guiberteau, Sr.), Gerayne Clare Leon (Kirk Leon), Tina Lynn “Teedee” Alfano, and Lana Kay Alfano; sister, Sybil Paughnee Bornert; 12 grandchildren, Chuck Norman Alfano (Hailey), Nicholas Alfano, Valery A. Boudreaux (Breyn), Jude Guiberteau (Erica), Natalie G. Kidder, Haley G. Delahoussaye (Hunter), Andrew Paul Broussard, Kaleb Paul Leon (Lexie), Abby B. Miller (Cory), Camille Elizabeth Gondron, Julia Kay Smelley, and Dylan Michael Smelley; great-grandchildren, Trey, Lanie, Trevor, Titus and Thadeus Alfano, Max Boudreaux, Lukas Leon, Gianna Kay Holleman, John-Luke Kidder, Lilah Grace Kidder, Eli Joseph Delahoussaye, and Emelia Lane Delahoussaye; and nine great-great-grandchildren. 

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Tan Joseph Alfano; and a brother, Jimmy L. Starks. 

Pallbearers will be Chuck Alfano, Jude Guiberteau, Nicholas Alfano, Andrew Broussard, Kaleb Leon, and Dylan Smelley. 

Honorary pallbearers are John Starks, Kirk Leon, Hunter Delahoussaye, Gerald Guiberteau, Sr., and Cory Miller. 

Elaine’s legacy will live on through her family and the countless lives she touched with her warmth, kindness, and beauty. Her infectious laughter and radiant spirit will be profoundly missed. May she rest in peace. 

Pellerin Funeral Home, 502 Jefferson Terrace Blvd., New Iberia, LA 70560 (337-365-3331).