Lonis J Laurent

Lonis Joseph Laurent 

“The Man, The Myth, The Legend” 

Lonis J. Laurent was born to the late Reverend Velvon and Iris Laurent on February 23rd, 1943, in Longbridge, Louisiana. Lonis grew up in a home filled with love and rich in spirituality. At an early age, he was baptized at Evening Star Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Velvon Laurent in Longbridge, Louisiana. His fellowship was then brought to Little Zion Baptist Church. Lonis attended public school at Bethune High School in Marksville, Louisiana.

Throughout his life, Lonis was a very hard and dedicated worker. His employment began at Ideal Chevrolet in Marksville, Louisiana as a mechanic. Lonis furthered his employment by gaining a position with the Avoyelles Parish School Board as a school bus driver. He continued his education at Southern University in autobody and fender repair. He also gained a teaching position at Career Development Center as a fender repairman until its door closed. Lonis worked as a school bus driver for 28 years until retiring in 1997. Lonis loved working with his hands such as repairing and painting cars. Lonis served as a town alderman in Cottonport for 16 years. He started the Social Club that helped the community and served as president there. Lonis was also the owner of a night club, The Dew Drop Inn and owned and operated an autobody and mechanic shop known as Laurent’s Body Shop where he worked hard for many years.  

Lonis fought a good fight, kept the faith and left an impressionable legacy. God, in his infinite wisdom saw it fit to transition Lonis to his heavenly home on Monday, September 27th, 2021. He was surrounded by loved ones.  He was preceded in death by his daughter: Rose Washington, grandson: Delvin Laurent, parents: Reverend Velvon and Iris Laurent, sisters: Joyce Dobison, Naomi Kyle, Susie Mae Augustine, and Velma Wells, brothers: Nathan Laurent, Lincoln Laurent and Clement Laurent. 

Those left to cherish his memory, daughters: Lonicka Laurent (Jason), Inez Drummer, and Jean Alice Heggar of Cottonport, Louisiana, Erica Laurent, Dwana Williams of Alexandria, Louisiana, Ruth Eldridge of Ruther Glenn, Virginia and Michelle Farrow of Houston, Texas; sons: Raymond Laurent Sr. (Sarah) of Mansura, Louisiana, Adaryll Hayward of Gulfport, Mississippi; sisters: Geraldine Benjamin, Rachel Hall of Cottonport, Louisiana, Majestic Heggar of Mansura, Louisiana; goddaughter, Melissa Austin of Cottonport, Louisiana; 21 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, Little Zion Baptist Church family, a host of relatives and friends.

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