Stella G. Henry

Stella Henry passed away peacefully at her home in New Orleans on May 16, 2022 at the age of 86.

Her childhood was spent in Jennings where she graduated from Jennings High School. She was the youngest of eight children in the Guthrie family and was the last surviving member. Stella loved her siblings and her nieces and nephews and Jennings was never far from her heart and mind.

She moved to Baton Rouge where she met Donald D. DeMars. They were married and had two children, Donna and Robert. Donald died in a tragic accident and Stella was left to raise two preschool children. She was determined to provide a happy childhood for them despite difficult circumstances and she accomplished that.

She married the late Elton L. Henry, and moved to Lake Charles where they lived for more than 40 years. They loved their home, which was always open to friends and relatives and was a welcoming, fun place for the children’s friends.

Stella was creative and especially enjoyed painting and cooking. In her later years, she surprised her family by becoming an avid and very knowledgeable New Orleans Saints fan. She had a funny, self-deprecating sense of humor that quickly put people at ease.

Stella is survived by her children, Donna Mercer and husband Robert, Robert DeMars and wife Malayne, grandchildren Justin and Adam Mercer and Justin’s fiancée, Mary. She also leaves many nieces and nephews who could brighten her week with a phone call.