Ethel Gertrude Arceneaux, faithful wife, mother, and grandmother left her earthly bonds and this earthly shore for eternal freedom and heavenly shores on July 15, 2026.
Born Ethel Gertrude Teal, at Frances Ann Lutcher hospital on December 1, 1946, in Orange, Texas, she was a resident of Orange and member of the Dowlen Road church in Beaumont, Texas. She was married to the love of her life, Jerry, for 59 years.
Ethel, or “Gertie” (affectionately nicknamed by her baby brother), was full of life and had an encouraging word for all. She never met a stranger and had an endless pot of food for anyone dropping by. Her house was always “the place” to gather on any holiday or Sunday after worship. Ethel lived a colorful life and loved to entertain everyone with her stories. You could call or drop by anytime. She was always up and always ready to lend an ear or helping hand. You never had to earn her love; it was given freely and abundantly.
Her favorite pastimes were visiting, cooking, reading, bird watching, and caring for her plants. Her two most read books were the bible and Gone With the Wind. If she could read Gone With the Wind, watch Coal Miner’s Daughter, and listen to Elvis Presley all at the same time she would have done it every day!
She looked forward to family reunions, and cherished her siblings, kids, grandkids, and extended family members. She had a hand in “raising” many, and there are countless wonderful memories to commemorate her time on earth.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Jerry Arceneaux; father Dennie Ovie “Blackie” Teal and mother Ollie Mae Swanson Teal, sisters; Mildred Jackson, Hazel Scott, and brother Nathan Teal; grandson Scott Covington, and great granddaughter Emmalyn Jade Arceneaux.
Ethel is survived by her sister Evelyn Graves (m. Jim Graves); brother Carrol Teal (m. Pam Teal); daughter Karen Lee (m. Denis), son Michael Arceneaux (m. Scottland Jacobson); daughter Carol Arceneaux; daughter Rachael Mills; daughter Mary Wagoner (m. Brett); and son Shayne Arceneaux (m. Kourtney); grandchildren Casie Silva (m. Steven), Kaylla Fitzgerald (m. Rob), Samantha Lee; Serena Morello (m. Pete), Sarah Gaudet; Aaron Arceneaux (m. Stormie), Coby Covington, Eric Covington (m. Rhonda), RJ Mills; Brooklyn Wagoner, Ayden Wagoner; great grandsons Alex Arceneaux, Jaxon Arceneaux, Dawsyn McClanahan, Wesley and Hayden Teeguarden; great granddaughters Ava Arceneaux, Maddilyn McClanahan, Lexie & Allie Covington, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Our precious Maw is finally at peace. We are eternally grateful to our creator for blessing us with such a treasure and will miss her dearly until we meet again.
Family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at Dorman – Riley Smith & Sons Funeral Home, 8808 Highway 87 North, Orange, Texas. Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, July 23, 2026, at Dorman – Riley Smith & Sons Funeral Home, 8808 Highway 87 North, Orange, Texas. Evangelist Aaron Kemple will be officiating. Interment to follow at Parish Cemetery, Orange, Texas.
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