Shirley Dumes Rachal

Shirley Dumes Rachal entered into eternal rest on July 26, 2024, surrounded by her family. Shirley was born on June 1, 1936, in Palmetto, Louisiana to Paul and Yola Dumes. She was the oldest of 14 much-loved brothers and sisters. She was a graduate of Immaculate Conception Catholic School in Lebeau, Louisiana. She attended Grambling University before moving to New Orleans. Not long after moving to New Orleans, while attending mass at All Saints Catholic Church, she was introduced to Willie Rachal. Shirley and Willie married and welcomed 6 children to their union. She returned to school after raising her children, earning her Nursing Aide Certification. She began her career at Mary Joseph Nursing Home where she worked for 25 years. After retirement, she spent her time traveling on family vacations with her children and enjoying her grandchildren. She also enjoyed planning and hosting holiday and family celebrations, as well as spending time with family and friends. She was an active parishioner of St. Anthony Catholic Church for 59 years, where she served as a Eucharistic Minister and was a member of he Ladies Auxiliary. She was preceded in death by her parents Paul and Yola Dumes, her husband Willie Rachal Sr., her children Janet Thomas (Harlan) and Willie Rachal Jr. Her brothers, Marvin Dumes, Sidney Dumes, Paul Dumes, Patrick Dumes, and Dennis Dumes. She leaves to cherish her memories; her children Susan Lewis (the late Roland Lewis), Diane Fontenette, Maureen Cadres (Rory), and Karen Richardson (Michael); grandchildren Roland Lewis II (Katrina), Alexis Lewis, Rachal Cadres, Kayla Richardson, Jordan Thomas (Caspian Kade), Claire Thomas, Victoria Gabriel, Nicholas Gabriel, and Dylan Rachal; great-grandchildren Nate Davidson, Roland Lewis III, and Michael Ian “Deuce” Papillion. Her brothers and sisters, John Orel Dumes, Patsy Woods, Lawrence Dumes, Janis Dumes, Judy Brown, Don Dumes, Ray Dumes, Gregory Dumes, a niece Dwana Knight with whom she had a special bond, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Relatives and friends of family are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Anthony Catholic Church, 924 Monroe St. Gretna, LA 70053 (Corner of Franklin and Burmaster) on Wednesday, July 31, 2024 at 12:00pm. Visitation will begin at 10:00am until 12:00pm. Interment: Private. Arrangements by Duplain W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 1020 Virgil St. Gretna, LA 70056. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to sign the online guestbook, share memories, and condolences to the family.