Bettye Jo McChesney Fair Hargrave, 88, of Estherwood, LA, was called to be with her Heavenly Father on Wednesday, January 14, 2014, while at her home surrounded by her family. Bettye was born in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma on August 1, 1926, to the late Henry and Dollie Hill McChesney.
Bettye’s life began in Oklahoma where her father and grandfather owned a bit and spur factory. Her teenage years were spent in East Texas where she was an avid tennis player and a Girl Scout. After moving to Houston during World War II, she worked at Dixon Gun Plant as an overhead crane operator pouring steel to make guns for warships. Her husband, Jess Willard Fair’s oilfield job brought her to South Louisiana in the 1950’s. This small woman with a big heart and a spunky spirit made Louisiana her home. After her husband’s death, she married Amar Hargrave and continued to enjoy life with their families. Of utmost importance was her church and religious beliefs. Her proudest achievement was her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Mam Maw was a loyal Midland High School fan for many years. This compassionate, Christian lady will be greatly missed by everyone that was touched by her kindness – including her loyal pet chihuahua, Sonny D.
Bettye is survived by her three daughters, Cheryl Fair DuBois Foreman (Richard) of Estherwood, LA, Deborah Fair Guidry (Jack) of Estherwood, LA, Becky Fair Istre (Kenneth) of Mermentau, LA ; one step-daughter, Velma Hargrave Vice of Lyons Point; one sister-in-law, Grace McChesney Croxdale of Moss Bluff; eight grandchildren, Kiisha DuBois Duhon (Greg), Brandie Guidry Scott (Mitch), Kristy DuBois Fusilier (David), Clayton Istre (Dinah), Morgan Istre Armentor (James), Troy Foreman (Paula), Monica Domingue (Timmy), Michelle Meche (Kevin); seventeen great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; several nieces and nephews; and her beloved dog, Sonny D.
Bettye is preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Dollie Hill McChesney; husband Jess Willard Fair; twin brothers J.D. McChesney and J.R. McChesney; one brother-in-law W.H. “Bill” Fair; husband Amar Hargrave; one son-in-law Abraham Vice; one step-son Alvin Hargrave.
Carrying Bettye to her final resting place in Woodlawn Cemetery will be Clayton Istre, Cole Duhon, David Fusilier, Mitch Scott, Greg Duhon, and James Armentor. Honorary pallbearers are Craig Duhon, Kevin Meche, Troy Foreman, and Timmy Domingue.
Special thanks to Joyce Fontenot and all of her caregivers.
Services for Bettye will be held Saturday, January 17, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. at Duhon Funeral Home Chapel in Crowley.
Brother Don Popp, Pastor of Baptist Believers Fellowship Church will be officiating for the services.
The family has requested the visitation to be held on Friday, January 16, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Then visitation will continue on Saturday, January 17, 2015 at 8:00 a.m. until time of services all in the Duhon Funeral Home Chapel in Crowley.
Please send personal condolences to the family at www.duhonfuneralhome.com
Duhon Funeral Home, LLC of Crowley will be in charge of the arrangements.