Betty Rae Gonzaque Coutee

Mrs. Betty Rae Gonzaque Coutee passed away in Natchitoches on December 9, 2019, at the age of 85.  She born on Cane River July 17, 1934, and was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Wilson (Badeaux) Joseph Coutee Sr., her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Alex Gonzaque, four sisters Emma Lee, Charlotte, Rose Mary, and Glenda Gail, two brothers Fred and Alex.  Betty is survived by her children, Wilson Joseph (Joe) Coutee Jr., John (Rocky) Alex Coutee, Corinne (Connie) Marie Coutee; sister, Sandra Hay (Carven); and a host of relatives and friends. She lived in Natchez, Louisiana and Chicago, Illinois.  Most of her life she enjoyed the cultural history of Cane River and telling how it was, not how it was written.  After raising three children, she completed college and graduated with honors (Phi Alpha Theta) with a Bachelor of Arts in History.  She was a devout Catholic.  She loved to dance, was active in arts and crafts, sewing, quilting, and sharing of the legacy of Cane River Creole heritage.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 9 am Saturday, December 14, 2019, at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Isle Brevelle, LA with Rev. Luke LaFleur serving as celebrant.  The family will receive friends from 8 am until 9 am at St. Augustine Catholic Church with the recitation of the Holy Rosary beginning at 8:30 am.