Bank says goodbye to ‘Noonie’

IberiaBank customers soon may notice that a familiar face is missing behind the counter. 

After 47-and-a-half years of service at the New Iberia bank location, Genevieve Toups, affectionately known to employees and customers as “Noonie,” is retiring July 20.

A reception in Noonie’s honor was held at the Jefferson Terrace IberiaBank site Wednesday. 

“I thank IberiaBank for all the years they gave me and having faith in me to do the job,” Toups said.

The friendly smile, one that has greeted customers for generations, was accompanied by a few tears that rolled down her face.

Toups was visibly overwhelmed and humbled by the turnout of regional management, former coworkers, presidents of competing banks and close friends who came to celebrate her career and send her off in style. 

“She’s touched everybody’s life you see in here,” IberiaBank Vice President Mike Smith said to the more than 50 people gathered for the occasion. “I am vice president of operations for IberiaBank. I’ve known her for 33 years. Ms. Genevieve Toups is the person who hired me and she’s just a wonderful lady. She is IberiaBank.” 

The 77-year-old Toups said she now works as a regular teller but has held positions as branch manager, head teller and customer service manager.

“I’m depressed because I’m leaving my family,” Toups said.

Family is how her managers and coworkers explain their connection to Toups, as well. Branch Manager Lennie Fields, who Toups also hired as a part-time teller years ago, sees her as a mother figure.

“She is my second mom,” Fields said. “My mom lives overseas and she gives her the great feeling of knowing that even though she’s oversees there’s someone here looking out for me.”

Toups has been a widow for the past 11 years. She and her husband, the late Harold Toups, were married for 45 years. She has one daughter, Tracey Delahoussaye, two grandchildren and three great grandchildren.  

Yet the busy business lady said she’s not sure how she will spend her time now.

“I have no idea what I’m going to do now,” Toups said. 

“My family here at the bank wants me to enjoy my life, continue my journey,” she said.

Remaining bank employees suspect she’ll be back from time to time to say hello to those who visit the branch. 

Hugs, laughter and well wishes filled the room as several heartfelt expressions gave witness to the notion that this was no ordinary retirement but an acknowledgment of local banking legacy.

“Ms. Noonie is a cornerstone for IberiaBank,” Branch Manager Bart Boyer said to the crowd. 

“In her 47 years she’s seen the bank grow from Iberia Savings and Loan in one parish to branching out to several states. We went through those changes with our customers. What helped our local customers was the fact that the bank was changing but Noonie was still there,” Boyer said.