Winfield H. Ledet

St. Martinville - A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am on Friday, February 22, 2019, at Notre Dame Catholic Church in St. Martinville for Winfield Henry Ledet , 85, who passed away on Monday, February 13, 2019. The family requests that visiting hours be observed at the church from 7:00 am until time of service on Friday. A rosary will be prayed at 9:00 am on Friday. Rev. Michael Sucharski, SVD will officiate at the Funeral Mass. Readers will be Helen Thibeaux and Savanna Sam. Gift bearers will be Juliette Spencer and Kyzin Spencer. Interment will follow at Queen of Peace Cemetery in St. Martinville. WINFIELD HENRY LEDET was born on February 9, 1934 to the late Theresa Gardner Ledet and Albert Ledet Sr. in St. Martinville, Louisiana. He was the third of six children, affectionately known as "Winnie," "Bae," and "Picture Man" to family and friends. Winfield was a loving son, humble brother, generous uncle, trusting friend, and a man of great faith. He was baptized at Notre Dame Catholic Church when he was an infant. Winfield had a solid, Christian foundation that started when he was an altar server and a choir member in grammar school. His commitment to Notre Dame Catholic Church lasted throughout his life, and he was a member of the men’s choir for many years. He was also a faithful member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Slidell, Louisiana having dual residency in Slidell during the school year and St. Martinville during the summer. Winfield finished grammar school and moved to Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi to attend St. Augustine Seminary. After graduation, he moved to Pennsylvania and then New York to finish his theological studies. This period was a defining moment in his life as he realized that becoming a priest was not his calling a testament to his spiritual beliefs, he and the Rosary group went on a pilgrimage in Bay Saint Louis every summer. Winfield persevered and received two degrees from Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana - Bachelor of Education in 1964 and a Master of Education, French, and Social Studies in 1975. Winfield was one of the original teachers when Pearl River High School in Pearl River, Louisiana, St. Tammany Parish opened in 1964. During his career, Winfield taught Social Studies, Civics, American History, and French. Winfield was a dedicated teacher and volunteer who was active in the school and his community. He judged the District Social Studies Fair projects, and coordinated the Veterans Day program, the Presidents Day program, Honor Society, and the Memorial program. He was the vocalist for the Veterans Day program, other patriotic events, and the school’s Christmas program. His tradition was to sing "Oh Holy Night," his all-time favorite Christmas carol. He organized field trips to Valley Forge, Pennsylvania; New York City, New York; and Washington, DC. In fact, the 1981 attempted assassination of President Ronald Reagan in Washington took place near the school’s tour bus. Winfield had a contagious smile, and a voice and laughter that was unforgettable. He was a simple, energetic man who motivated many people. He was a man of his word who prayed and who prayed the rosary daily. He loved to give and help others in need, but he sought no praise for his good deeds. Winfield communicated regularly with many seniors of Creole descent who spoke only French. He played a major role in feeding families weekly at the St. Teresa Center for the Works of Mercy in St. Martinville. Winfield stayed in Slidell when Hurricane Katrina made landfall in 2005. He was stuck in the attic for three days able to grab only a flashlight, water and crackers on his way up. He believed in his heart and in one of his favorite mantras, "The Lord will provide" (Philippians 4:19) and he would survive the storm. He embraced his blessed life. He loved his church, family, extended Slidell family, ”podnahs” (friends), and school. Above all, he loved God and he had a special devotion to the Blessed Mother. Winfield was an advocate for education, passionate about history and politics, and patriotic to his country. He continued to volunteer and kept in touch with his extended Slidell family, friends, and former students who often celebrated him and his many accomplishments. He loved to sing and play the piano. Winfield enjoyed photography, Mardi Gras, and visiting friends. Winfield retired in May 2012 after 48 years of teaching at Pearl River High School. The principal said, “Mr. Ledet has made Pearl River High a better place." In honor and remembrance of Winfield, Pearl River High is flying the school flag at half-staff. Winfield completed his life’s journey on Wednesday morning, February 13, 2019, in New Iberia, Louisiana at age 85. He was preceded in death by his parents, Theresa Gardner Ledet and Albert Ledet, Sr; sisters, Theresa L. Spencer and Helen Mathews; brothers, Norman Ledet Sr. and Albert Ledet Jr.; brothers-in-law, Wilbert Mathews and James Spencer; sister-in-law, Jean Ledet; niece, Anastasia Shamlin; nephew, Gabriel Ledet; great-nephews, Scott Mathews and Brandon Boudreaux. Winfield leaves to cherish his memories: one brother, Malcolm Ledet, St. Martinville, LA; one sister-in-law, Dorothy P. Ledet, St. Martinville, LA; four nephews: Raymond Mathews, Broussard, LA; Jerold Mathews, Beaumont, TX; Albert Ledet III, St. Martinville, LA; Norman Ledet Jr. (Shelly), Houston, TX; 11 nieces: Savanna Sam, Prairieville, LA; Sandra Yancy (Clim), Manvel, TX; Jacqueline "Jackie" Stewart, Houston, TX; Agatha Thibeaux (Calvin), Kaplan, LA; Lisa Mathews (Jimmy Whitaker), Sugar Land, TX; Helen Thibeaux (Anthony), Broussard, LA; Dodie LaMott, Broussard, LA; Wanda Brown, Dallas, TX; Mercedes Richard (Brian), Houston, TX; Alanna Johnson (Jimmie), Houston, TX; Juliette Spencer, St. Martinville, LA; and a host of great-nieces and great-nephews, other relatives and friends. Winfield was the recipient of some prestigious accolades and accomplishments. A partial list follows: · Pearl River High School Hall of Fame Award, 1993-1994 · Voice of Democracy, Veterans of Foreign War, 1993-1994 · Pearl River Lions Club, 1998 · Pearl River Lions Club 2000, Parade of Pearls · Pearl River Teacher of the Year Award, 1999-2000 and 2002-2003 · Outstanding Citizen Award, 2002 · National Youth Leadership Forum · Educational Leader and Mentor Honorary Certificate – 2008 National Nominating Committee · Pearl River High School at 48 years of Dedicated Service to the Students of St. Tammany Parish, 2012 · Mayor of Pearl River Declared Winfield Ledet Day, 2012 · National Drexel Society, Inc. Award, 2014 · Veterans Day 2015 Serving the Community, Pearl River High · Sisters in Christ Women Ministry Certificate of Appreciation, 2017 · Plaque from Governor of Louisiana · Grand Knight, Member of Knights of Peter Claver · Vice-President, Society of the Divine Word Southern Province, Saint Augustine Seminary · Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Award for Outstanding Service to Church and Community · Voice of Democracy Award - Outstanding Spokesman for Dynamic Citizenship in the Veterans of Foreign Wars (Post 5174) Annual Voice of Democracy Program · Distinguished Service Award · Certificate of Appreciation-The St. Tammany Parish Government · "The Cream of the Crop" Dedicated Service Honoring Veterans of St. Tammany Parish · New Comers Club Service Award · Member of the Rotary Club Winfield carried these sayings in his spirit: Top of the Line, Cream of the crop, Carry On, and Will do! Pallbearers will be Craig LaMott, Jr., Jerold Mathews, Albert Ledet, III, Daylan Spencer, Norman Ledet, Jr., and Deontre Spencer. Honorary pallbearers will be Dennis Alexander, James Alexander, Douglas, Ambroise, Bryson Boudreaux, A. J. Flugence, Theodore George, Sr., Malcolm Ledet, Raymond Mathews, Craig Prosper, Ross Ratliff, Donald Stewart, Dave Theriot, Ronny Theriot, Anthony Thibeaux, Calvin Thibeaux, Jimmy Whitaker, Leander Williams, and Clim Yancy. The family would like to take a moment to thank everyone who offered words of encouragement, cards, flowers, their church family, as well as their family members; your kindness will always be remembered. Special thanks to Iberia Medical Center, Dr. Gerald Elias, Dr. Gerald Sigue, Acadian Ambulance, and New Iberia Police Department. May God bless and keep each and every one of you. ~ The Family