Lou Ethel Santee

It is with great sadness that the family of Lou Ethel Santee announces her passing on Sunday February 02, 2025 at the age of 85. Lou passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones. Lou was born on April 06, 1939 in Gibson, La to the parents of Eva Rollins- Ellis and General Diggs. Lou found and married the love of her life Thomas Joseph Santee Sr. in 1957 and remained together until his untimely death in 1997. Lou lived a fulling life marked by her love of God and taking care of others. Lou worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant for Chateau De Notre Dame for 26 years, she also was a private sitter for the Woods Family for 6 years. Lou was a faith full servant of the Lord at a young age. She received the Lord at Mt Pilgrim Baptist pastored by Rev. Thomas Ellis. Gibson, La. As she continued her walk with God in her adult years she was a member of Second Free Mission Baptist Church pastored by Rev Warren Ray Jr. Lou later joined Greater Liberty Baptist Church pastored by Rev. Calvin Woods where she apart of the Usher Board for many years You would always hear her in church shouting “My God It’s alright”. During her time of illness she joined Philadelphia Ministries pastored by Rev James Daniel. Lou was proceeded in death by husband of 40 years Thomas J. Santee Sr. Son Thomas J. Santee Jr Mother in Law Clara Bell Wilson Father in law Clarence Wilson brother Melvin Ellis mother Eva Ellis father General Diggs. Lou is survived by her children Maria A Santee- Butler (Thomas) Metairie and Robert Santee (Arianne) Houston, TX. Grandchildren Simone M. Butler(Daniel), Shavonne M. Butler(Jason), Shariese M Butler(Jessica) New Orleans and Zoe Santee Houston TX. Great Grand Children Kennedy J. Jackson and Jeremy Duncan Siblings Betty Joyce Johnson (Horace) Rudolph Diggs Gibson, La ( Maude Helen) South Carolina Geraldine Ellis-Theriot (Leroy) Houma, La. Sister in Law Albertha Wilson Host of nieces nephews and friends A Celebration of Lou Ethel Santee life will be held at Duplain W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Ave. New Orleans, La 70125 on Saturday, February 22, 2025 at 10:00am. Visitation will begin at 9:00am. Internment: Providence Park Cemetery, Metairie, LA. Arrangements entrusted to Duplain W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Ave. New Orleans, La 70125. We will remember Lou for her kindness, generosity sense of humor, style and sassiness. Lou will forever remain in our hearts. As she would always “Hey Beautiful”

Lou Ethel Santee

February 2, 2025