Christmas 2025

Our first Christmas after losing both parents this year. It’s going to be a difficult one for sure. Thanksgiving was hard enough. Our holidays revolved around my mom and what would make her happy. She sacrificed so much in her life to raise us and keep a roof over our heads. She was the center of our world. I convinced myself it would get easier in time, but to be honest, each day it feels harder. I’ve gone to pick up the phone to call her a few times now. Then I realize what I’m doing and it’s like losing her all over again. I miss her. And I have lived in Texas since November 2006. I can’t imagine what my family members that lived closer are feeling. They had more time with her, more memories, more constants. If you’re reading this, please keep our family in your thoughts and prayers. We sure could use some extra strength this holiday season. 💔 The amount of pain and heartache we are feeling shows just how much of an impact she had on us. 

Update: So to make Christmas Eve even harder, the fog was bad and Aggie & Tammy couldn’t be there. It was a great time with the family that could make it, but it didn’t feel like Christmas. Especially not the tradition we shared with my mom every Christmas Eve. 

We did sing happy birthday to Phoebe. Angel had her favorite chantilly cake, which was also mom’s favorite. ❤️ 

We dropped Phoebe off to her dad before heading to Aggie’s. The fog was really bad after we dropped Phoebe off. We spent the whole Christmas Day cooking and cleaning up while cooking, just to have family come by for about an hour… eat, open their gifts, and then leave for the next house. Again, didn’t feel like Christmas. I’m not sure I’ll make the trip in next year. It’s just not the same without mom there and everyone is separated or spending time with other families. I hate that we couldn’t make it work to honor my mom’s tradition this year. 

Mom’s Celebration of Life

We held mom’s celebration of life today. The turnout was incredible. Everything came together just in time. We had a slideshow playing on the tv. Faud had music playing on a big speaker. The kids spent the day on the bounce house Joe set up. Matt made his chicken and sausage gumbo that mom loved. That was the only dish that was all gone before the end. We had dirty rice, potato soup, finger sandwiches, sushi, charcuterie board, pinwheels, and desserts. At the end we gathered outside, some people said a few words, and we did a balloon release. 

I know my mom was loved and touched many lives. I hope she’s resting peacefully as she so deserved. I love her more than I could ever express. I know she would’ve loved everything today. ❤️

RIP Mom 💔

Jeannie Mable Jean Asher

1946 - 2025
Jeannie Mable Jean Asher, 79, of Arabi, Louisiana, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family, on Friday, November 21, 2025.

Born March 8, 1946 in Pineville, KY, Jeannie was a woman of deep kindness and quiet strength. She saw beauty everywhere and had a gift for making everyone around her feel seen and loved. With her beautiful green eyes, warm smile, ready compliment, and signature white outfits paired with bright red lipstick, she left a lasting mark on countless hearts.

Jeannie cherished her family above all else. She is survived by her devoted children: F. Ray Whitfield (Shannon), Angel Flannery (Joseph), Tammy Philibert (Cliff), Annette Gioia Burch (Damian), Agnes Gonzales (Brian), and Allen Ballard (Debbie); nineteen grandchildren: Brittanie (Scott), Matthew (Britney), Destiny (Jacob), Taylor (Matt), Cade, Shelby, Aidan, Evan, Phoebe, Bradley (Rhiannon), Blake (Emma), Bill, James, Josh, Adrian, Brandie, Casi, Abigail, and Cole; and thirteen great-grandchildren: Madelynn, Jaxson, Nolen, Eli, Liam, Charlotte, Ashton, Dominik, Carter, Kamdin, Naomi, Leilani, and Brenley. She also leaves behind her brothers Arthur (Gail) and Joe, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who were like family.

She was predeceased by her parents, Wilk Asher and Viola Brummette Brock; her beloved daughter, Viola Michelle Reynolds; and several dear siblings and extended family members.

Jeannie found joy in the simple things—tending her garden, singing "One Day at a Time, Sweet Jesus" at karaoke, shopping for the perfect outfit, and, most of all, being surrounded by the laughter and love of her big, beautiful family. She was the kind of woman who would give you her last dollar or the shirt off her back and go without so no one else had to. A gentle, generous soul—beautiful inside and out—she was everything and more to so many. Her family feels lost without her guiding light.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, November 30, 2025, from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at 305 Midway Drive, River Ridge, LA 70123. In honor of Jeannie's vibrant spirit and signature style, the family kindly requests that guests wear white.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests simply telling someone you love them—something Jeannie did every single day.

Lagniappe:

Those who knew Jeannie will never forget her striking green eyes—eyes that needed no words to speak. A single glance could scold, tease, comfort, or envelop you in love. With one look she could say everything, and somehow you always understood.

To her children and grandchildren she was simply everything. She loved fiercely and unconditionally, giving all of herself every single day. She shaped their hearts, their character, and their lives in ways no words can fully capture. They are who they are because of her. Her spirit, her strength, and her boundless love live on in each of them. They carry her forward with pride and gratitude, determined to honor the extraordinary mother and grandmother she was and the beautiful legacy she leaves behind.

Jeannie loved all animals and mourned her fur babies she lost over the years - Shadow and Nila. I'm sure she is receiving plenty puppy kisses now that they are reunited in heaven.