Mary Lynn Millet Bernard

Georgia Robbins Smith
January 2, 2009
Milton Short
January 6, 2009
Georgia Robbins Smith
January 2, 2009
Milton Short
January 6, 2009

Posted Monday, January 5, 2009

Mary Lynn Millet Bernard, 65, a lifelong resident of Houma, La., passed away at 3:05 a.m. Sunday, January 4, following a long and valiant struggle with cancer.


She leaves behind her husband of almost 42 years, Philippe G. Bernard; two daughters, Deidre Ann Bernard Richard and Nicole Marie Bernard Lirette; four grandchildren, William “Billy” Edward Lirette, Danielle Elizabeth Richard, Tanner Allen Richard, and Donnie Gerald Lirette; one brother, Eugene E. “Jackie” Millet and wife Paula Wyle Millet of White, Ga., two sons-in-law, Tyler Allen Richard and Eric John Lirette of Houma; one brother-in-law and wife C.J. and Millie Landry Bernard of Baton Rouge, La.; and one sister-in-law, Mary Joan Bernard of Baton Rouge.


She was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Norma Chauvin Millet; and her in-laws, C.J. and Olita Bourque Bernard of Thibodaux, La.

She was a retired Terrebonne Parish school teacher having served on the faculties of Legion Park and Village East Elementary Schools. Respected and admired by former students and faculty, she touched the hearts of many who were fortunate to work alongside her and who received her heart-felt guidance and instruction as students. She was a friend to all and won numerous achievement and performance awards throughout her lifetime. The last of those awards came in 2001 when she became the co-recipient of the NAACP President’s award given to her by Jerome Boykin, President of the local NAACP chapter. Jerome described her accurately: “She was a surrogate mom to us all.” She was color-blind and insisted on judging people by their character alone. She will be sadly missed by all who knew her, especially her close friends and family.

The family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to the Terrebonne Parish Library system in her honor. The library is able to purchase books that will memorialize her life and spirit in perpetuity. The family will suggest to the library those books that may pertain to her interests.

Visitation will be 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday, January 6, with the Holy Rosary being said at 8:30 p.m. and 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Wednesday, January 7, at Chauvin Funeral Home’s Chapel. Funeral services will be at 12 p.m. Wednesday.

Chauvin Funeral Home of Houma is in charge of the arrangements.