Stella JoAnn Orphe Batiste

St. Martinville- Our heavenly angel, Stella JoAnn Orphe Batiste, 47, was born March 3, 1958 to Joseph Orphe and the late Dolores Lee Orphe. ?A resident of St. Martinvillle, Mrs. Stella Batiste departed this life on Saturday, October 15, 2005 at Iberia General Medical Center. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, October 22, 2005, at Mallalieu United Methodist Church in St. Martinville. Interment will be in Mallalieu Cemetery in St. Martinville. Stella was a 1976 St. Martinville Senior High honor graduate. ?She was swept off her feet by the love of her life and Soul Mate, William ""Flee"" Batiste. ?They were united in holy matrimony on August 4, 1980. ?Stella was a devoted wife, loving mother, caring sister, helpful aunt, and an encouraging and comforting friend. ?She was known as ""Aunt Buck"", ""JoAnn"", ""Pretty Black"", and ""Sweets"" by her daughters. ?She was ?faithful member of Mallalieu United Methodist Church where for many years she sang in the the choir, served on several committees and was the director of the Children's Ministry of the church. ?She was employed by Martin Mills in St. Martinville and the U.S. Postal Service, as a mail carrier in New Iberia, LA. ?Stella had a strong work-ethic, receiving many awards at her job. Stella was a phenomenal black woman. ?She greeted everyone with her beautiful smile. ?Although she did not know how to cook food for the body, she always had enough spiritual food to feed your soul. ?More than a dedicated church worker, Stella was a true worshiper of Jesus Christ, her personal Lord and Savior whom she loved dearly. ?She was a friend to many, but most of all she was a friend of God. ?GOD CALLS HER FRIEND! She leaves to cherish her memories her husband, William ""Flee"" J. Batiste; her daughters, Sharika Batiste and Shawntae Batiste, all of St. Martinville; her step-son, Brian G. Batiste of Lafayette; her father, Joseph Orphe of St. Martinville; her brother, Wilbert J. Orphe of New Iberia; her sisters, Phyllis Anthony Linzer of Cade, Clara Tyler Batiste of St. Martinville, Rev. Martha Orphe of Pittsburgh, PA; one step-sister, Loucinda George of Cade; one special niece reared as her sister, Monica Tyler Batiste of St. Martinville; and a host of sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her mother, Dolores L. Orphe; and her nieces, Melissa Orphe and Tylan Orphe. The family requested that visiting hours be observed from 4:00 pm. ~ 10:00 p.m. on Friday and continue at 7:00 a.m. on Saturday until time of service. Pellerin Funeral Home of St. Martinville is in charge of arrangements.