We invite you to join with us as we offer prayers of consolation for this dear family.  Their plans are to celebrate the life and legacy of their Matriarch Saturday, December 13, 2025, 11:00 a. m. in our chapel with burial following in the Rockford Baptist Church Cemetery on Old River Road.

THE LIFE

An earthly journey characterized by extreme love of God, family and mankind began with the birth of Edna Marie Guy Helaire December 18, 1946 in Natchitoches, LA.  She was a gift to her parents, the late Willie Guy, Jr. and Alma Cook Guy Braxton just before Christmas of that year.  The Creator in His matchless love transported her from this earthly life to an eternal realm of peace ten days before her birthday, December 8, 2025, in her residence surrounded by loving family.

She exemplified a Christian walk rooted in her rearing in a home where the Word was the guiding rule.  It led to the public profession of her belief, being water baptized and uniting with the Rockford Baptist Church of Natchitoches, LA where she remained faithful until she exchanged time for eternity.

Securing a formal education was another important element in her life.  She attended Natchez Elementary School, Natchitoches Trade School, and Northwestern State where she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work.

Marie met and married Charles Helaire and was a devoted wife until his passing.

Throughout her life she was a blessing to many.  She became a seamstress at an age, a passion that she enjoyed tremendously.  She was also a caregiver to special need patients for many years.   She opened the Community Reinforcement Center, a non-profit organization that gave her opportunity to help those in need.  She never met a stranger and opened her heart and home to many.

Preceding in her death were her parents, Willie Guy, Jr. and Alma C. Braxton, her husband Charles Helaire, three brothers, Anjus Kelly, Abram Guy and Lloyd Kelly; one sister, Rosetta Guy, one grandson, Adrain Toussaint, a son-in-law, Jeffery Bernstine, Sr., 3 great granddaughters, Kyleasha 'Lee Lee' Casson, Armoni Bernstine, India Robinson and one great grandson, Rodney Robinson, Jr.

THE LEGACY

Her precious light will continue to shine in those who survive her including three daughters, Jacqueline Ladkins , Lillian Frances Bernstine and Bridgette Dukes all of Natchitoches, LA and one step son, Natron Davis of Shreveport, LA;

GRANDCHILDREN

Fifteen grandchildren, a large number of great grandchildren and two great, great grandchildren (these were the center of her joy and happiness in every aspect of her life. She spent many years and countless nights traveling, catering for and creating memories with them all.  She would do whatever it took to make them happy.  She was truly the BEST!) one brother, John Craig Perot of Natchitoches, LA, three sisters, Sherlyn Alexander, Brenda Smith (Leonard) and Jannette Shannon all of Houston, TX, five Godchildren along with a host of other relatives and many, many friends.