Helen Fontenot Mayer

Lafayette - A Liturgy of the Word will be held for Mrs. Helen Fontenot Mayer, 97, at 1:00PM, on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at Frioux-David Funeral Home of Lafayette with Deacon Cody Miller officiating. Entombment will follow at St. Joseph's Cemetery in Milton.

Visitation will begin at 4:00PM, on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at Frioux-David Funeral Home of Lafayette and continue until 9:00PM. A Recitation of the Rosary will be held at 7:00PM.

Visitation will resume at 8:00AM, on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at Frioux-David Funeral Home of Lafayette and continue until the time of service.

Mrs. Helen Fontenot Mayer, beloved matriarch, passed away peacefully at the age of 97. Born on November 23, 1927, Helen was a devoted wife of the late Nathan "Blackie" Mayer and the heart and soul of a large and loving family. She lived for her family and loved them more than life itself. Affectionately known as Maw Maw Black, Helen was sharp as a whip and full of life. She had an unmatched memory of names, relationships, and birthdays; never letting a single one slip by without a call, message, or reminder. Her warmth and attentiveness made everyone feel deeply loved and remembered. Helen found joy in the simple pleasures of life: listening to music, spending time at the camp, playing Cadillac and Bouree' with her family, and traveling across the United States as well as taking cruises. She especially loved cooking big holiday meals, bringing everyone together with her delicious food and even bigger heart. She constantly put others first, always asking, "Will you be okay?" or "Are you sure you're alright?" Her selflessness and care will never be forgotten. Helen was not just a mother and grandmother, she was a friend, a storyteller, a caretaker, and the glue that held generations together. Her love touched countless lives, and her memory will continue to live on through all who knew her. Helen was deeply loved, and her absence will be profoundly felt.

Mrs. Helen Fontenot Mayer is survived by ten children, Wayne Mayer (Lupe), Robert "Bobby" Mayer (Judy), John Dale Mayer (Linda), Marsha Miller Graves (Bill), Norma Louviere (Raymond), Darnell Warfel (Clyde), Patsy Eyde (Gary), Cary Mayer (Wanatta), Debra Boutin (Alton), Cindy Castille (Phil), Richard "Ricky" Mayer (Laura), Regina "Jeannie" Mayer (Junior), and John "Jerry" Mayer (Robin). She leaves behind an extraordinary legacy of thirty-four grandchildren, sixty-seven great-grandchildren, and fourteen great-great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her loving husband Nathan "Blackie" Mayer; three children, Wayne Mayer, Dale Mayer, Darnell Warfel; four grandchildren, Lanai Dockenplay, Nathan Wayne Mayer, Jr., Crystal Mayer, and Destiny Bothner; two great-grandchildren, Dillan Williams and Avery Boutin; and a number of daughter-in-laws and son-in-laws, Clara (Ricky), Raymond (Norma), Mike (Marsha), Marlene (Bobby), and Clyde (Darnell); her parents, Blanche and O'Neal Fontenot; her uncle and aunt, Eraste and Elmira Smith; and her siblings, Johnny Fontenot, Percy Fontenot, and Yvonne Smith.

Pallbearers will be Jonathan Louviere, William Mayer, Christopher Mayer, Dennis Porrier, Darrell Miller, Ricky Ross, Bryan Mayer, Clyde Warfel Jr., and Richard Mayer Jr.

Honorary pallbearers will be her sons Bobby, Ricky, John, and Cary.

Frioux-David Funeral Home of Lafayette 316 Youngsville Hwy. will be handling the arrangements. (337) 837-9887