Obituary

Jerome "Jay" Joel Ryan

August 15, 1952 - December 3, 2025

Jerome "Jay" Joel Ryan passed away peacefully after a brief illness Wednesday, December 3, 2025. He was born on August 15, 1952, in Houma, La. He was a resident of Bogalusa, La.  

Jay was preceded in death by his wife of 33 years Kathye Lynn Adams Ryan, and his parents Sherman C. and Elois B. Ryan, a brother, Charles R. Ryan, a brother, Roland L. Ryan, and sister Patricia R. Cenac.  

Jay was a graduate of Terrebonne High School and received a Bachelor of Science degree from Nicholls State University. He was ordained as a deacon in First Baptist Church in Houma and was active in church ministry there until moving to Covington in 1990. Later he became a member of New Zion Baptist Church and was an ordained deacon serving in the Children’s Ministry, Lunch Ministry, and was the Sound System Technician for Sunday services, Wednesday services, and special events.  

He was employed in the Clerk of Court office for 6 years in Houma and then worked for the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development in the Real Estate Department, retiring after thirty years. . After retirement, he worked with his daughter to create Ryan’s Kitchen, served his church family, and helped care for his two granddaughters. 

Jay is survived by a son Adam Lee Ryan of Covington, La and two granddaughters Averie Leigh Ryan and Amelia Lynn Ryan of Covington, La, and a daughter Amber Lynn Ryan of Bogalusa, Louisiana. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and great nieces, and nephews.  

Jay or Jay-Jay was a devout Christian all his life serving in many capacities in the church of which he was a member. He was beloved by his siblings and especially by his nieces and nephews, always willing and eager to entertain them for hours on end. He delighted in his 2 children and 2 grandchildren attending their activities and spending time with them. He was a devoted husband, father, brother, and grandfather.  

Jay was a kind, gentle and loving man who was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in his family, any friend, or even a stranger. He would go out of his way to be helpful to anyone in need.  

A Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at New Zion Baptist Church from 11:00-1:00 followed by a Celebration of Life Service and then Graveside services will follow at McGehee Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to New Zion Baptist Church to the sound system ministry, children’s ministry and lunch ministry.  

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.  Psalm 23:6

Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home & Crematory in Bogalusa is in charge of arrangements.