Wilma Cortez Lafleur

Wilma Cortez Lafleur, age 99, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 3, 2024, at Senior Village Nursing Home in Opelousas, Louisiana. She was born in Church Point, Louisiana, on October 3, 1924.

A visitation will be held on Monday, May 6, 2024, in the Skip Montet Memorial Chapel at LaFond-Ardoin Funeral Home of Opelousas from 12:00 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. followed by a funeral service. Deacon Jerome Collins and Chaplain Sylvester Murphy will conduct the service.  The burial will be held at Bellevue Memorial Park Cemetery in Opelousas, Louisiana.  

Wilma and her husband, Horace, founded Lafleur's Grocery Store, a cornerstone of the community, that they owned and operated for 22 years. 

Wilma’s dedication and hard work were evident in every aspect of her life.  She was a gifted artist whose creations brought beauty and inspiration to those around her. Her love for tending her garden was matched only by her joy in spending time with her grandchildren, creating lasting memories that will be cherished forever.  Wilma was a member of the Altar Society at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Prairie Ronde, where her faith and kindness shone brightly.  

She is survived by a loving family who will always carry her memory in their hearts. Her daughter, Judy Simmons and husband, Rodney Simmons; her son, Horace "Bubba" Lafleur, Jr. and his wife, Geraldine Decou Lafleur; her grandchildren, Van Vidrine, Angela Miller (Jeff), Valarie Forrest (Phil Shaffett), Horace Joseph Lafleur (April) and Dustin Ross Lafleur.  In addition to her grandchildren, she is also survived by her great-grandchildren, Eric Vidrine (Hannah), Gregory Aaron Vidrine (Arden), Hunter Forrest, Hayden Miller (fiancé Noah), Haley Forrest, Sydney Miller and Michael Lafleur, as well as her great-great-grandchildren, Eric Vidrine, II and Serenity Vidrine; and numerous nieces and nephews.  They will all fondly remember her warmth and love.

Wilma is now reunited with her parents, Noah and Azna Cortez; her husband, Horace Lafleur, Sr., their daughter, Deborah Faye Marie Lafleur Wade; her siblings, Rodney Cortez, Wilford Cortez, Elsie Cortez Reed and Hubert Cortez.

Wilma's legacy of strength, creativity, and devotion to family will be celebrated by all who knew and loved her. May she rest in eternal peace knowing that her spirit lives on in the hearts of those who were blessed to have known her.

Family and friends are invited to sign and view the online guestbook at www.lafondardoin.com.

LaFond-Ardoin Funeral Home of Opelousas, 2845 South Union Street, Opelousas, LA 70570, (337) 942-2638, has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.