Funeral services for Mrs. Cora Mae Gordon Vital of Welsh, Louisiana, will be held Saturday, December 2, 2017, at 11:00 a.m. in First United Methodist Church of Welsh, Reverend Nathan T. Stevens officiating. Viewing will be from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m., Interment in the Eastridge Cemetery in Welsh. Mrs. Vital passed away Wednesday, November 22, 2017, in Lake Charles Memorial Hospital.

Born to the late Bessie Mae and Joseph Gordon, Sr. on July 5, 1934, in Welsh, Louisiana, Cora Mae was christened and grew up in Jones United Methodist Church where she remained a faithful member. She was united in Holy Matrimony to Edgar W. Vital and to their union one child was born.

Mrs. Vital is preceded in death by her parents Bessie Mae and Joseph Gordon Sr., her husband Edgar W. Vital, Sr., son Edgar W. Vital, Jr., and sister Vera Mae Gordon. "Mae" as she was called by family and friends, was educated at Welsh Rosenwald School, Bethune High School, Southern University and McNeese State University. After receiving a B.S. and Master's Degree, she went on to teach in the Jeff Davis School System until retirement. During her years of service, she touched many lives. She considered it a privilege to support and assist young people both in and out of school.

Mrs. Vital was the "go to" person. She was generous and lived her life helping others. She supported every cause and never turned away anyone needing assistance. Her favorite words were, "If I can't help you, I know someone else who will." She never met a stranger and no matter how busy, she found the time for a friendly visit. She loved church, no matter where. She enjoyed communing with others and could be seen in attendance and participating in services at many different churches on a Sunday. She supported all churches and was often asked, "What church do you really belong to?"

She was affiliated with and participated in numerous professional, civic, and social organizations and received many certificates, honors, participation and service awards. She held membership in Welsh Rotary Club, Jeff Davis Retired Teachers Association, American Legion Ladies Auxiliary Unit 520, Welsh Museum, Jeff Davis Council on Aging, and Red Hat Society. Because of her years of service as President of the Jeff Davis Retired Teachers Association (2002-2011), she was honored with the Killinger-Vital Scholarship Grant being named in her name. She had the honor of being named Welsh Rotarian of the Year 2017.

Cora Mae leaves to cherish her memories, two brothers Joseph (Jeannie) Gordon of Las Vegas, NV and Andrew (Shirley) Gordon of Lakewood, CA; one sister, Catherine Standsberry of Welsh, LA and one foster sister, Beatrice Tate of Baton Rouge, LA; three uncles, Richard (Jane) Peters of Compton, CA, Paul (Lillie) Handy of Galveston, TX, and Will (Mary) Handy of Welsh, LA; one aunt, Veda Drake of Welsh, LA, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends.

For words of comfort, please visit www.kingsfuneralhomela.com