Joann Talbot Mestayer

Published 12:57 am Sunday, February 17, 2019

On January 31, 2019, Joann Talbot Mestayer, 90, peacefully entered the gates of Heaven.

She was born to Agnon and Mae Talbot of Lafayette. After meeting her prince, the late Gaston Mestayer, they homesteaded in New Iberia, where they were blessed with four children Denise, Tab, Trent and Dianne. The family grew with spouses Kim, Renee and Fran. Eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren weren’t enough for her because she just loved people and life.

Joann worked for Sheriff G. Jerry Wattigny for 22 years, where she was known to locals as “The She Sheriff.” She also worked for Sea Con Services before going back to school to earn her LPN. Her glory was taking care of people and feeding people at her table; this is where she fed the homeless, to the president, to movies stars, with much love and laughter! If you met her once, you never forgot her.

Joann donated her body for medical research. A memorial will be held at a later date.

A special heartfelt thanks to Hospice of Acadiana, especially Carolyn Fontenot who touched our hearts with hers.