Gladys Barras Coy

St. Martinville – Gladys Barras Coy, 84, passed away peacefully at her residence in St. Martinville on January 1, 2021, with her saintly husband by her side, after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s. 
Vvisiting hours were observed at the funeral home from 10:30 a.m. until 10 p.m. on Tuesday and continue on Wednesday from 8 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.
A rosary was prayed at 7 p.m. on Tuesday.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, January 6, 2021, at St. Martin de Tours Catholic Church. Rev. Michael Champagne will officiate at the Funeral Mass. Interment will follow at St. Michael Cemetery in St. Martinville.
Gladys Anne was born to the late Amos and Agnes Bourque on July 29, 1936, in Arnaudville. At 17, she wedded the late Donald Joseph Barras where they spent 38 memorable years together, while creating a family and traveling with his job in the dredging industry. She spent her life as a homemaker caring for her family whom she loved more than anything.
Years after losing Donald, Gladys would meet her knight in shining armor, Fred Coy. During their 24 married years, they enjoyed camping and creating beautiful memories with friends and family. 
To know Gladys was to absolutely love her. The simplest pleasures in life brought her the most joy and she could hardly ever be found without a smile. She had an uncanny ability to find happiness in all that she did.
The saying “never met a stranger,” she invented it. She was a collector of friends and those friends were for life. Gladys loved to talk and connect with anyone (and boy, did she have a lot to say.) She had the biggest heart and most selfless demeanor. Her door was wide open at all times, no matter who you were. 
Gladys truly gave meaning to “living your best life.” In her prime, you could find her day-tripping to the casino or on a dance floor “cutting a rug” (even after installing more hardware than Lowe’s into her ankles.)
She never missed a chance to celebrate with any and everyone for any and every occasion. She was the life of every party and the true Queen of Mardi Gras. During her best days, her favorite way to celebrate was with a hurricane in hand at Pat O’Briens in New Orleans, which quickly became a family tradition. 
One of Gladys’ greatest pastimes was to go thrift shopping. She couldn’t wait to show off what she had found at such a bargain. Because of her big heart, she thought of everyone while shopping and always came back with a surprise for someone else. Her love of thrifting stems from her passion for fashion. She was always dressed to the nines for any occasion and made sure her outfit coordinated with her husband Fred’s. 
Gladys was an active parishioner of St. Martin De Tours Catholic Church, where here faith was second to none. So much so, if you showed up to her home to visit, she was bound to have a rosary in hand, reading her prayers. (and you better not have talked until she was done). She loved Jesus and it shined through her personality throughout her lifetime.
She will be lovingly remembered by her true angel on Earth, caregiver and husband of 24 years, Fred Coy; son, James “T-Boy” Barras (Evelyn) of Catahoula; daughters, Debra “Debbie” Vice (Leland) of Kaplan, and Arlene Gaspard (Brad) of Loreauville; seven grandchildren, Kirk Barras (Dodie), Shannon Barras (Melanie), Alice Barras Suire (Shawn), Colby Simon (Kim), Ricky “T-Rick” Simon, Chance Latiolais and Cherish Latiolais Campbell (Kamron); step children, Everette Carroll (Paula), George Allen Carroll (Tara) and Billy Carroll (Gwen); sister, Mary Castille (the late Robert “Bill”) of Breaux Bridge; 18 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; 19 step-grandchildren; seven step great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and loved ones alike. 
She was preceded in death by her late husband, Donald J. Barras; father, Amos Bourque; mother, Agnes Hebert Bourque; brothers, Alton Bourque, Amos Bourque, Calvin Bourque and Valerie Bourque; and sister, Rita Mayes (Bonton). 
The family would like to express sincere gratitude toward those who have given care to Gladys over the recent years, especially Dr. Bradley Chastant who she thought hung the moon. 
Serving as pallbearers will be Colby Simon, Ricky “T-Rick” Simon, Kirk Barras, Shannon Barras, Chance Latiolais and Kelby Simon. 
Pellerin Funeral Home of St. Martinville (337-332-2111) is in charge of arrangements.
(Pd.Adv.)