Rilla Faye Spell

April 28, 1936 — November 1, 2016

On Tuesday, November 1, 2016, at 7:38 p.m. Rilla Faye Spell, 80, of Jennings, passed away peacefully at her residence, surrounded by family, who loved her dearly.

Born April 28, 1936, in Jennings, Faye enjoyed sharing memories of her youth, saying “life was beautiful in those days”. She was raised by her grandparents, Loudie and Betty Ravey, of Lake Arthur — lovingly known to her as “Napa” and “Mamoo” — with whom she enjoyed Sunday dinners. She learned many life lessons and skills from her grandparents, and was especially proud of having learned cooking skills from “Mamoo”.

Aside from singing soprano in the church choir for several years, Faye played softball and was a championship bowler and avid golfer.

Faye enjoyed many years of golfing with her devoted husband, E.J. Faye could never “play” anything for fun or relaxation, she always played to win. This was never more evident as in her long golfing career, where she won numerous trophies and awards in both local and state-wide tournaments, including many club championships. In 2004, she won the “Louisiana Women’s Amateur Super Senior Champion” Award. She was proud of and respected for her accomplishments in golf.

It was well known by all who knew her that once Faye made her mind up to become involved in anything, her competitive nature and drive for excellence would immediately kick into high gear, motivating her to give her top effort and strive to be the best she could possibly be.

Faye worked as a Night Chief Telephone Operator for Southern Bell Telephone Company; was a licensed radiologist, applying her training to the field of Chiropractic; sold and promoted clinical quality Aloe Vera products for many years; and was a transcriber for the Jennings Police Department and District Attorney’s Office.

She and E.J. traveled to craft shows in the tri-state area where they sold her hand-sewn puppets, painted wood items and many handmade crafts they created together.

Faye was a woman of strong values, instilled in her by example from “Mamoo”, which she, in turn, passed on to her own children. Faye was known to be a woman of strength and a true friend. She loved her family and having them all together meant the world to her. She whole-heartedly believed in tradition, and would cook and bake to the point of exhaustion, determined to make every Thanksgiving and Christmas memorable for her loved ones.

Faye had a heart and love for animals and many times took in those who were injured or abandoned

She immediately became attached as she lovingly nursed them back to health. She loved them with all of her heart and always took it so hard when the time came to set them free.

She is preceded in death by her grandparents, Loudie “Napa” and Betty “Mamoo” Ravey; her parents, Rodney Alvin and Epsie Lee Hymel; two brothers, Roddy Lee Hymel and Jerry Gale “Buck” Hymel; and one sister, Connie Ingrid Crader.

Survivors include her loving and devoted husband, Ernest Joseph “E.J.” Spell of Jennings; one daughter, Trudy Faye (Michael, Sr.) Benoit of Lake Charles; two sons, Richard (Jeanece) Doucet, Jr. and Joby Lee (Janie) Doucet, all of Jennings; eight grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; several nieces and nephews; and many, many friends and acquaintances.

Faye knew so many people, but if she didn’t know you personally, you could bet that after only a few minutes of conversation, she knew either your parents or grandparents. She held a wealth of information, her heart was full, and she lived a long, active and accomplished life. Faye was truly ‘one-of-a-kind’ and will be sorely missed, but her memories and legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Jeff Davis Home Health, Louisiana Hospice and Palliative Care.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made at https://dm2.gofund.me/2im0zv0 or checks payable to “Wyatt’s Wish”, 142 Olen Lane, Iota, LA 70543 to fund an alert dog for a local Type 1 Diabetic child.

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Rilla Faye Spell

April 28, 1936 — November 1, 2016

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