Mary Jane

Schexnayder Gravois

Mary Jane Schexnayder Gravois, age 91, of Vacherie, Louisiana, passed away on July 9, 2024. She was born on November 27, 1932, to Richard Joseph Schexnayder and Ethel Wilma Sigur Schexnayder as the middle daughter in a family of three sisters. She was raised in St. James where family and friends were always nearby. Of particular importance was Denise Marie Schexnayder Graugnard, "Tetere", her doting grandmother.

Grade school was within walking distance for Jane, and her journey as a lifelong learner began there at an early age. Her class was the first to graduate after the twelfth grade; two senior years suited her just fine. After high school, Jane attended Southwestern Louisiana Institute and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics. Later, she earned a Master of Education degree from Nicholls State University. Education was important to Jane. She retired from teaching after many years in the St. James public school system.

New priorities blossomed when Jane met Charles Maurice Gravois, Sr., a sugarcane farmer from Vacherie. Charles and Jane were married at St. James Catholic Church on June 25, 1955. They settled into life that revolved around family, sugarcane farming, and their Catholic faith. They raised six children in Vacherie down Blackberry Road and later at their beloved home on Highway 20. Charles and Jane sacrificed to give their children opportunities for education. Jane's heart had a deep desire to raise and nurture their family and to teach life lessons through hard work, discipline, and church. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren were a source of pride and joy. Charles and Jane enjoyed traveling across the U.S., Canada, and Europe.

Faith and farming were an important part of family life. Jane was committed to her church community and served as a lector at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church in Vacherie. Because farming was a family business, Jane kept the books for Blackberry Farms. Like her husband Charles, she served the larger agricultural community through the Louisiana Farm Bureau.

Jane was preceded in death by her husband Charles M. Gravois, Sr., parents Richard J. and Ethel S. Schexnayder and brothers-in-law Fernand "Bud" J. Falgoust, Jr. and Claude J. Schexnayder, Jr.

Jane is survived by her children, Charles M. Gravois, Jr. (Crystal), Dickie Gravois, Kevin Gravois (Cathy), Kenneth Gravois (Marguerite), Gregory Gravois, and Mary G. Gayral (Todd), as well as her grandchildren Erin G. Mudge (Chris), Renee G. Rossi (Adam), Allison G. Morrison (Brett), Charles Gravois III (Meryl), Phillip Gravois (Alexis), Sam Gravois (Emily), Lee Gravois, Jamie Gravois, Taylor G. Prevost (Will), Paul Gravois (Kelsey), Kelly Gravois, Mark Gravois (Michelle), Rebecca Gravois, Rachel Gravois (fiancé Ian), Stephen Gravois, Victoria Gravois, Megan Gravois, Michael Gayral, Caroline G. Lynch (Edward) and Lauren G. Hymel (Alex). Granny was blessed with 15 great grandchildren – Callie, Andre, and Leo Mudge; Vivienne and Camille Rossi; Madison and Reid Morrison; Levi, Rhea, and Elise Gravois; Riley Gravois; Eleanor and Joseph Gravois; and Leighton and Lucas Hymel. Jane is also survived by her cherished sisters Joan S. Falgoust and Joyce S. Schexnayder as well as many nieces and nephews.

Jane's family appreciates those who cared for her at Thibodaux Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center and Journey Hospice. Special thanks to a dear friend and fellow resident, Lawrence "Doc" Lirette. His friendship and watchful eye will always be remembered.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Visitation and Funeral Mass at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church, 13281 LA-644, Vacherie, LA on Tuesday, July 16, 2024. Visitation will be held at the church from 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. Interment in Our Lady of Peace Cemetery, Vacherie, LA.

In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or the Catholic Diocese of Baton Rouge, P. O. Box 2028, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-2028. Please write "All Are Welcome" on the memo line or donate at https://diobr.org/give. "All Are Welcome" is a ministry for individuals with special needs and their families.

Arrangements by Rose Lynn Funeral Home. To view or sign the online guest book, please visit www.roselynnfuneralhome.com