Johnnie Morris Boatright

Published 6:00 am Wednesday, February 15, 2017

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, February 15, 2017, at the First United Methodist Church in New Iberia for Mrs. Johnnie Morris Boatright, 85. Reverend Scott Bullock will officiate with music by members of the church choir.

A gathering of family and friends will be held at the church from 12 p.m. until time of the service, 2 p.m.

Ms. B., as she was affectionately known by many, was born on January 15, 1932, in New Orleans to the late John D. Morris and the late Fannie Core Morris. She passed away peacefully Friday, February 10, 2017, at Consolata Nursing Home, surrounded by family members.

Ms. B grew up in New Orleans until moving to New Iberia just before beginning high school. She graduated from Centenary College in Shreveport with a degree in physical education. Mrs. Boatright went on to teach girls PE at what was New Iberia Junior High until her retirement in 1980. After retirement, Mr. and Mrs. B. moved to Diamondhead, Mississippi, where they enjoyed entertaining and taking part in the many Mardi Gras festivities. Ms. B was known for her gourmet cooking and cocktail parties. She and Mr. B traveled the United States in their camper, being gone up to two months at times.

Ms. B was an avid reader and especially enjoyed anything historical. She was always up for a good debate on any subject with anyone. She enjoyed many hobbies including gardening, cooking, sewing, entertaining and traveling.

Mrs. Boatright leaves behind many fond memories to be cherished and enjoyed by her family and friends.

Mrs. Boatright is survived by her three children, Virginia (Jennie) B. Vidallier, Debra (Debbi) B. Engel and Jay D. Boatright and his wife, Alison; seven grandchildren, Laura Vidallier, Megan Vidallier, Christopher Boatright and wife Monica, Emily Boatright and fiancé Ory Begnaud, and René Boatright, all of New Iberia, Claire B. Simmons and husband Toby of Houma and Marcus Beaver and wife Courtney of Rison, Arkansas. She also has five great-grandchildren, Makenna and William Beaver of Rison, Arkansas, Dean Paige of Gulfport, Mississippi, Avery Boatright of New Iberia and Eliza Simmons of Houma.

Ms. B. also had a special “child,” her beloved cat, Miss Kitty, who was smuggled into many “no pets allowed” campgrounds.

Besides her parents, Mrs. Boatright was preceded in death by her husband, R.B. Boatright, and two sons-in-law, Michael Vidallier and William Engel.

Serving as honorary pallbearers are Jay Boatright, Christopher Boatright, René Boatright, Ory Begnaud and Marcus Beaver.

The family would like to thank the administration and staff at Consolata Nursing Home for their help and compassion while Mrs. Boatright was a resident there.

Memorials can be made to the First United Methodist Church of New Iberia or any “no-kill” animal center.