Dorothy Marie Metoyer

Our beloved mother, Dorothy “Marie” Balthazar Metoyer on May 23, 2025 at the age of 80, lost her battle with the horrible memory stealing sickness of Dementia. She fought courageously against dementia. A journey that took her most cherished memories, tested her spirit and that of her family.

Born the youngest daughter of five children, on September 25, 1944, in “Isle Brevelle”, Natchez, LA, to the late Joseph “Olton” and Ella “Beatrice” Balthazar. Dorothy “Marie” aka “Pee Wee” was a loving mother, devoted friend, and an inspiration to all who knew her. She had a vibrant personality, filled with laughter and kindness, always finding joy in the little things. Whether it was taking care of her family/someone who needed her help, or sharing stories from her youth, she brought warmth and light to our lives.

Marie spent her early years picking cotton on a sharecropper’s farm, to help her family keep food on the table. She attended and graduated from St. Matthew's School in Melrose, Louisiana. She met the love of her life, David Morrell Metoyer Sr. and they were married on May 18, 1963, at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Natchitoches, LA. Family and friends loved to watch David & Marie dance, and they knew how to dance.

They started their loving family in Natchitoches, LA where Marie was a nurse's aid at Natchitoches Parish Hospital. The couple moved to Houston in 1971 with hopes of giving their family an opportunity for better pay and making a better life for their family. Her unwavering desire to help/take care of others, had her dreaming of going to nursing school. Unfortunately, she was unable to become the nurse she dreamed of. She worked in the Healthcare industry as a Medical Assistant for 30 years, and then became a caretaker for elders who needed assistance with their daily living. She always found a way to show her love by taking care of someone who needed her help.

Marie was extremely proud of her heritage and was happy to share that love and knowledge with anyone who came across her path. Throughout her life, Marie showed unwavering love and support for her family. She raised three children, nurturing each with patience and understanding, and in the years before dementia, she gave much of her love and time to her granddaughter with special needs, Kayla. For many years, the two were inseparable. Anyone who knew her knew how special Kayla was to her. Her gentle spirit and unconditional love will forever remain in our hearts. Although dementia took many moments from us, we cherish the times when her true self shone through, reminding us of her strength and resilience. We will carry those special memories with us throughout the generations. We are grateful for the caregivers and staff at The Courtyard of Natchitoches, who treated her with dignity and compassion.

Marie is survived by her children, David M. Metoyer, Jr. (Claudine), Karen M. Raggio (David), Thomas W. Metoyer (Kimberly), her five grandchildren, Joseph D. Raggio (Hannah), Lauren D. Raggio (Matt), Kayla M. Raggio, Michael V. Metoyer, and Matthew A. Metoyer, and three great-grandchildren Everleigh, Ellie & Kane Raggio and a bonus great granddaughter Scarlett Foster; sister-in-law, Gloria Balthazar, and brother-in-laws Joseph Bernard Metoyer and John Lewis Metoyer, Sr. and a host of nieces/nephews and friends. 

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, David M. Metoyer, Sr. her parents Ella and Joseph Balthazar, a great-grandson Atlas Joseph Jackson and her siblings Marcellette Clifton, Steven Balthazar, Cleo Tyler and James D. Balthazar. Her in-laws Morrell and Mathilda Metoyer, Sister-in-law Emily “Mae Lee” Christophe, Brother-in-laws James A Metoyer, and Donald Metoyer.

We will always carry her memory in our hearts, cherishing the love and lessons she imparted. Rest in peace, dear Mama. You will be missed more than words can express.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am on Saturday, May 31, 2025 at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church Hall in Natchitoches with Rev. John O'Brien serving as celebrant.  She will be laid to rest next to her husband, David, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery in Cloutierville, LA.  The family will receive friends from 9 am until 10 am at St. Anthony Church Hall with recitation of the Holy Rosary to begin at 10 am.

Those honored to serve as pallbearers will be Joseph “Joey” Raggio, Eric Rachal, James “Chet” Beaudion, Jamie Metoyer, Donald Metoyer, and David Martindale.  Honorary pallbearers will be Joseph “Bernard” Metoyer, John L. Metoyer, Sr., Lovance Beaudion, Clarence Rachal, Sr., Joseph Metoyer, Marc Balthazar, Michael Christophe, Michael and Matthew Metoyer, and James Beaudion.