Janell Emma Istre Fontenot
![Janell Emma Istre Fontenot](https://www.jenningsdailynews.net/sites/jenningsdailynews.etypegoogle12.com/files/styles/article600/public/7b58bf9a53_Ar00208010.jpg?itok=OGgyRL2O)
JENNINGS — It’s with great sadness and heavy hearts that the family of Janell Emma Istre Fontenot announces her passing from this life on April 30, 2023, at the age of 67. Janell was born in Jennings to Daniel and AnnaBelle Istre on Aug. 20, 1955. She worked as a Blackjack Dealer and a Notary Public for many years, jobs which she loved dearly. Janell was a very faithful Christian, who loved the Lord, who loved praying for others and reading her bible; as well as sharing her gift of healing by treating people who came to her. Janell loved life, loved to laugh, loved to dance, and make others laugh with her fun-loving humor. She loved people and lived life with a grateful heart. Janell loved going to the casino, loved to play card games (Bourre), dice games (Farkle), and bingo. Her greatest joys came from family get togethers and spending time with her family and making memories with them, especially her grandchildren. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.
Janell is survived by her mother in which she had an endearing love for, AnnaBelle Courville Istre of Jennings; her former husband, Herman Kilchrist of Orange, Texas; her sons, Rusty Dale Fontenot of Lake Charles, Joey Dale Fontenot of Scottsdale, Ariz.; her daughters, Katie Jo Reed (Allen) of Jennings, Samantha Jo Fontenot (Joe) of Lacassine; her four grandchildren, Treavor Blevins, Justin Fontenot, Allavean Reed, Annabelle Reed; her three great grandchildren, Blakely Leblanc, Ally Smith, Alden Smith; her brothers, Larry Thibodeaux (Lydia) of Mermentau, Kenneth Istre (Angie) of Jennings, Phillip Istre (Laura) of Jennings; her sister, Judy Simon (Shawn) of Jennings, Becky LeJeune (John) of Jennings, Eunice Morgan (Scott) of Kinder; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Janell is now rejoicing with the family that preceded her in death her father, Daniel Reed Istre; two brothers, Thomas Ray Istre, Randy James Istre; her nephew, Nathan Phillip Istre.
Funeral Services for Janell Emma Istre Fontenot will be held at Matthews and Son Funeral Home Chapel in Jennings on Wednesday, May 3, 2023. A burial will follow in Istre Cemetery in Mermentau Cove. Those chosen to honor Janell as her pallbearers will be Rusty Fontenot, Joey Fontenot, Phillip Istre, Ken Istre, Allen Reed, Joe Rutledge, Logan Istre and Al Himel.
A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held at Matthews and Son Funeral Home in Jennings on Wednesday, May 3, 2023, from 9:30 a.m. until the time of her service.
To extend online condolences, please visit our website at www.matthewsandsonfuneralhome.net Arrangements have been entrusted to Matthews and Son Funeral Home.