Audrey Maxine Wilkerson Valcour

Audrey Maxine Wilkerson was born on August 30, 1931, in Vidalia, Louisiana. From the moment she entered this world, she was a beautiful blessing — the first child of Addie Wilkerson and William Dorsey, and the cherished only daughter among five children. Raised with deep love and strong values by her grandparents, Douglas and Hannah Wilkerson, Audrey’s life was a reflection of her faith, compassion, and enduring kindness. Throughout her journey, Audrey touched countless lives with her gentle spirit and genuine love for others. Her heart overflowed with compassion for family, friends, and anyone in need. She lived her faith daily — a true woman of God whose light shone brightly wherever she went. Audrey devoted many years to caring for others as a nurse at Charity Hospital. Beyond her career, she had a deep love for cooking, shopping, and, most of all, serving the Lord. A faithful member of her church, she joyfully shared her faith and was known for leading many to Christ—often encouraging every guest who entered her home to pray the sinner’s prayer before they departed. In New Orleans, Audrey met the love of her life, Robert J. Valcour, a kind, intelligent, and protective man who adored her from the moment they met. Together, they built a life grounded in love, faith, and family. Married for 60 blessed years, their union was a testament to devotion and God’s grace. Audrey was celebrated as one of the best cooks in New Orleans — a master of Creole cuisine who never needed to write down a recipe. She perfected dishes passed down from her family and those taught to her by Robert’s mother. Her famous seafood filé gumbo became legendary — a true expression of her love and hospitality. “Mama Audrey,” as she was affectionately called, never let anyone leave her table hungry. Her laughter, stories, and wise sayings will forever warm our hearts. Her beloved husband, Robert J. Valcour Sr., preceded her in death in July 2013, as did her son, Edward J. Valcour, in 1962. Their union was blessed with nine children: Charlene Sukari Cheatham Hardnett, Aubrey David Cheatham, Jannice Cheatham Stevenson, Yoshi Valcour Gaugis (Brent), Charmaine Valcour Creighton, Robert Joseph Valcour Jr., Edward Joseph Valcour, Jovita Valcour Sharif (Jamil), and Wayne Douglas Valcour. Audrey leaves to cherish her memory eight devoted children, eighteen grandchildren, thirty great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren, along with countless relatives, friends, and loved ones whose lives were touched by her grace. On November 9, 2025, Audrey transitioned peacefully at her home on Gentilly Boulevard, surrounded by her loving family. Her faith, her joy, and her generous heart remain a guiding light for all who were blessed to know her. Though she has gone to be with the Lord, her legacy of love, faith, and compassion will continue to inspire generations to come. It is certain that the world is a better place because Audrey Maxine Wilkerson Valcour lived. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend a funeral mass at St. Martin De Porres Catholic Church, 5621 Elysian Fields Ave, New Orleans, LA at 11:00 am. Visitation begin at 9:00 am. Interment: St. Louis # 3 Cemetery. Arrangements by D. W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Ave. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to sign the online guestbook.