Chester I.O. Pichon, Jr.

Chester I.O. Pichon, Jr.

“Chester Boy” “Uncle Chester”

Sunrise May 30, 1944

Sunset October 24, 2015

“May the work I’ve done speak for me”

His Life Chester I.O. Pichon, Jr. affectionately known to many as “Chester Boy” or “Uncle Chester,” or as his cousin Mildred would say “Sookie,” entered into eternal rest on Saturday, October 24, 2015 at the age of 71. He graduated from Joseph S. Clark Senior High School C/O 1962. Uncle Chester found his one and only Love, Geraldine Lightell, at the age of 19. She used to make him buy her a coke before she would dance or talk with him. That was the key to her Heart (a coke). After a few short cokes she decided to Marry Him. From that union two children were born, Chester, III (“Too”) and Penny They became “Too-Pennies” and that’s just what Geraldine and Chester called them when it was time to come inside. You could hear all around the block… “TOO PENNIES… get in here.” Then Jonathan came floating across the Mississippi River, all the way from Port Sulphur. Shortly after, Aaron flew from around the corner and Uncle Chester loved them both like his own two sons.

Chester was a Recreational Therapist at Charity Hospital for 30 years. He worked on the 3rd floor Psychiatric Ward and 7th Floor Drug and Alcohol Abuse Ward. He was a faithful member of St. Raymond Catholic Church until his health declined. He also served as President of the Church’s Annual Fall Festival Committee, Bingo Game Activities and the Church Building Fund Board. He was a member of the St. Raymond Choir, the Knights of Peter Claver and whatever else his church needed of him.

Chester’s favorite time of the year was “Mardi Gras.” He was a member of the Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club, President and Co Founder of Ashanti Carnival Club (an all black carnival crew that rolled on the 1st Friday of the Mardi Gras Season). He was “Trail Chief” of the Creole Osceolas Mardi Gras Indians and the President of their “Family Concept Organization,” which was created to help with organizing functions for the neighborhood and the Indian Parades for “Super Sunday,” “St. Joseph Day” and so on. Chester was also President of the Vosco Ville Jammers and Gentilly Rulers Mardi Gras Truck Float Crews. He loved going to the parades when he wasn’t able to ride on the truck floats. He wanted to attend every parade rain, sleet or snow.

Whenever there was a Wedding or Birthday, Uncle Chester was there coordinating all the arrangements. He had a heart of gold… he would give you the clothes off of his back if you needed them. He loved playing bingo, going to ALL of the casinos, and playing cards with his first love, family and friends, while eating short cakes and drinking coffee late at night. But don’t forget about the late night donut runs. He was loved by everyone and will be dearly missed.

Uncle Chester was preceded in death by his loving and devoted wife of 45 years, Geraldine Lightell Pichon; his parents, Chester I.O. Pichon, Sr. & Cecile Landry Pichon; mother-in-law, Ida B. Lightell; Father-in-law, Luke Lightell; Brothers-in-law, Donald & John Lightell, Sr.; Sister-in-law, Jane Lightell; niece, Lakeesha N. Lightell and his devoted cousins, Ethel Guilyot & Mildred Pichon Rister. He is survived by his loving children, Chester I.O. Pichon, III & Penny Pichon, known together as “Too-Pennies.” He is also survived by, sister, Victoria Sylve; daughter-in-law, Cheryl Burton Pichon; grandchildren, Charles, Christian & Jeanne Burton and Jonathan Bartholomew; great-grandchildren, Charles, Jr., Alayisia, Jayla, Christian, Jr., Carter & Cameron Burton and Jaylah Bartholomew. He was the brother-in-law of Francis & Clarence Bartholomew, Gaylen & Sallie Lightell and Vanessa Lightell & Daniel Ledet. He is also survived by a host of Godchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Mass of Christian Burial St. Raymond/St. Leo the Great Catholic Church Celebrant: Father Anthony M. Bozeman, S.S.J. 2916 Paris Avenue* New Orleans, LA 70119 Monday, November 8, 2015 * 10:00 a.m.

Visitation 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

V i s i ta t i o n Reading of Obituary ……………………..…………………………………………………………………………… Jazmin Randall Remarks …………………….…………………………………………………………………………………………. 2 Minutes Please Rosary …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. Agnes Pichon

Eucharistic Liturgy Entrance Hymn ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… “Amazing Grace” Opening Prayer ……………………..…………………………………………………… Father Anthony M. Bozeman, S.S.J.

Liturgy of the Word 1st Reading ……………………………………………. Wisdom 4:7-15 ……..………………………………….. Aaron Degruy Responsorial Psalm 27 …………………………………………………………………………………………………….... Musician 2nd Reading …………………………………………… Romans 5:17-21 ……..…….…………………….... Theresa DeGruy Gospel ……………………………………………………………………………………….. Father Anthony M. Bozeman, S.S.J.

Liturgy of the Eucharist Presentation of Gifts ……………………………………….…………………………… Cheryl B. Pichon & Jeanne Burton Offertory Hymn ……………………………………………………………………………………. ”His Eye Is On The Sparrow” The Lord’s Prayer .……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Communion Hymn …………………………………………………………………………………. “Wind Beneath My Wings” Meditation ……………………………………………………………………….. “May the Work I’ve Done Speak For Me” Final Commendation Recessional ……………………………………………………………………………………………….. “Really Gonna Miss You”

LOVE

LOVE

I’m Free Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free I’m following the path God has chosen for me I took His hand when I heard Him call; I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day, To laugh, to love, to work or play.

Tasks left undone must stay that way; I’ve now found peace at the end of the day.

If my parting has left a void, Then fill it with remembered joys.

A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss; Oh yes, these things I too, will miss.

Be not burdened with times of sorrow; Look for the sunshine of tomorrow.

My life’s been full, I savored much; Good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch.

Perhaps my time seems all too brief; Don’t lengthen your pain with undue grief.

Lift up your heart and peace to thee; God wanted me now -- He as set me free.

As I Sit In Heaven AUTHOR UNKNOWN

As I sit in heaven And watch you everyday I try to let you know with signs I never went away I hear you when you’re laughing And watch you as you sleep I even place my arms around you To calm you as you weep I see you wish the days away Begging to have me home So I try to send you signs So you know you are not alone Don’t feel guilty that you have Life that was denied to me Heaven is truly beautiful

Just you wait and see So live your life, laugh again Enjoy yourself, be free Then I know with every breath you take You’ll be taking one for me…

Active Pallbearers Aaron Degruy, Sr. Cantrell Keller Carnell Lightell Gabriel Lafrance

Gaylen Lightell, Jr. Charles Burton, Sr. Jonathan Bartholomew Donald Lightell, Jr.

Honorary Pallbearers Chester Pichon, III Herbert J. Chapman, Sr. Clarence Bartholomew Floyd Paige Coren Lightell Harry Sills

Gaylen Lightell, Sr. Clarence Dalcour, Sr. Daniel Ledet Lance Ferguson Aaron Degruy, Jr. Herman Ford

With Gratitude & Love Perhaps you dropped by to say hello, Or called us on the phone

Maybe you visited for a while, To keep us from being alone

ARRANGEMENTS

Majestic Mortuary Service, Inc. 1833 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd.

New Orleans, Louisiana 70113 (504) 523-5872

You may have sent flowers, Or cards to show you cared; Possibly you didn’t come at all, But remembered us in Prayer.

Whatever kindness extended in Chester Boy’s passing is accepted with sincere gratitude and thanks that’s everlasting. In due course we hope to personally express our gratitude to each of you who came, who prayed, and who comforted us. Thanks for all of your love.

The Pichon Family

INTERMENT

Bartholomew Cemetery Diamond, LA

R E PA S T

Fountain of Youth

3129 Saint Roch Ave. New Orleans, LA 70122

Design & Printing by Our Celebrations of Life (504) 453-2186 * www.ourcelebrationsoflife.com