Obituary

Tommie Jean "T.J." Rayburn

March 16, 1942 - November 14, 2021

Tommie Jean “T.J.” Rayburn passed away at her home on Sunday, November 14, 2021 at the age of 79.  She was preceded in death by her parents B.B. “Sixty” and Hazel B. Rayburn, a brother Benny Rayburn, and a nephew Robby Rayburn.

Tommie Jean is survived by her two children, Michael Dodds and Alicia Dodds(John) Rhoades; five grandchildren, Natalie, Drew, and Rebekah Dodds, Trey (Morgan) Harvin, and Rayburn Harvin, plus two bonus grandchildren, Jared Phelps and Jacob Rhoades; two great grandchildren Braxtyn Watts and Stella Harvin; her sister Betty Ann (William) Bedwell and her sister in law, Cidette Rayburn .  She is also survived by her nieces and nephews Benjy (Michelle) Rayburn, Keith (Andrea) Bedwell, Monica Truax and her great nieces and nephews Matthew and Zack Rayburn, Alex and Katelyn Bedwell, and Trevor Truax; also, countless friends.

T.J. attended Soule’ Business School in New Orleans, where she earned an associate degree.  From there she worked at Hammond State School and eventually went to work for her beloved father as the Secretary to the Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget for the State of Louisiana.  She eventually retired after 30 plus years and moved back home to help take care of her parents until their final days.

T.J. was a kind gentle soul who was always willing to give her time to help anyone in need.  She would always say, “Remember, we got beat in the last election”.  She was a member of Annunciation Catholic Church, a former CASA volunteer, member of the Bogalusa Civic League, Pastoral Council Member at Annunciation, and a former Board of DIrector of The Bogalusa Community Medical Center.  She never met a stranger, always had funny stories or snide remarks and made new friends on a regular basis.

Special thanks to all that have helped guide us through the last three years.  Your constant concern, thoughts, and prayers have helped more than you will ever know.  To her Sitters, Nurses, and Friends,  you were always there to offer suggestions, lend a helping hand or just a reassuring talk.  Your kindness will never be forgotten.  A special shout out to Kaylie Whittington, she was not only her Nurse, but one that cared and was there at any time of the day or night when called, and a friend to our mom.  She dearly loved you and your babies and we want to Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for everything you did to make her remaining days more tolerable.

So, we say goodbyes for now, to the most wonderful Mother, Grandmother and Friend.  She is already greatly missed and will forever be loved.  Until we meet again...

Visitation will be held Thursday, November 18, 2021 at Annunciation Catholic Church from 10:00 A.M. until time for Mass at 11:00 A.M.