Mary Leona Bellard Goodly

                                                                            In Loving Memory of Mary Leona Bellard Goodly

                                                                                        June 29, 1937 – July 18, 2026

Mary Leona Bellard Goodly, age 89, of Lake Charles, Louisiana, transitioned from this life on July 18, 2026. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, family member, and friend whose life was defined by faith, resilience, service, and an extraordinary devotion to family.

Born on June 29, 1937, in Leonville, LA to John Benjamin Bellard and Viola Thomas Bellard, she spent most of her childhood in Mowata, LA where her parents moved with her eight siblings. It was in her early years there that she learned the meaning of responsibility and sacrifice, leaving school before completing her education so that she could help her parents care for and raise her younger siblings. Although her formal education ended early, her learning never did. Those who knew her were continually inspired by her natural intelligence, sound judgment, organizational abilities, and remarkable talent for solving problems. She possessed a practical wisdom that could not be taught in a classroom and used it throughout her life to guide, support, and care for others.

Mary was married to her beloved husband, Luck John Goodly, for 25 years, until his untimely passing in 1982. Together, they built a family grounded in love, faith, responsibility, and mutual devotion. Following his death, she faced the arduous task of continuing without her life partner. Yet, with extraordinary resilience, she honored his request that she continue to lead and care for their family in his absence, leaning on his faith in her.

For the next 44 years, she remained unwavering in her commitment to her children and their families. She became a source of stability, strength, wisdom, and encouragement across generations. Through life’s celebrations and challenges, her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren knew that they could depend upon her prayers, guidance, and unconditional love.

 She also remained deeply devoted to her sisters, calling them faithfully each week, to check on their well-being and offer support, reassurance, laughter, and encouragement. These calls reflected the importance she placed on maintaining family relationships and ensuring that those she loved never felt alone or forgotten.

To her nieces and nephews, she was affectionately and lovingly known as “Aunt Tit” and “Aunt Mary,” where she held a special place in their hearts - and they held a special place in hers. Her presence, concern, and steady encouragement made her more than a relative; she was a trusted source of love, wisdom, and belonging.

Throughout her working years, Mary demonstrated the same dedication and perseverance that characterized every area of her life. She worked in various roles at Picadilly Cafeteria in Lake Charles for five years, where she was deeply valued and recognized for her service orientation, before beginning a career of almost 30 years as a nursing assistant at Rest Haven Nursing Home.

 Her work at Rest Haven was more than employment; it was a calling. She cared for her patients diligently and treated them with loving kindness, dignity, patience, and compassion. She understood that those entrusted to her care were deserving not only of professional assistance, but also of warmth, respect, and human connection. Through her service, she brought care and comfort to patients and reassurance to their families.

 Her Catholic faith was the foundation of her life. She was deeply dedicated to Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, where she attended mass there for nearly 65 years, supporting its ministry through her presence, prayers, service, and financial offerings. Even after moving to the Houston area during her final years of her life, she continued to faithfully support the parish that had been such an important part of her spiritual journey. When she was no longer able to attend Mass in person, her devotion remained steadfast. She found strength and peace in praying the Rosary and watching the Catholic Mass on Sundays.

Words can never fully express the depth of love, admiration, and appreciation that her children have and will forever hold for her. They are grateful for every sacrifice she made, every prayer she offered, every lesson she taught, and every act of love she extended. Her presence gave them strength. Her example gave them direction. Her faith gave them hope. Her life gave them a foundation upon which they could build their own families. Her legacy will be felt for generations to come. 

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Luck John Goodly; parents, Benjamin, and Viola Thomas Bellard; sisters, Stella Guidry, Emma Edwards, Mable Bellard, Mary Gordon and brother, Joseph Bellard.

She leaves to cherish her memory, her devoted children: John Mark Goodly (Antoinette), Sandra Finger (Michael), Kenneth Goodly (Carol), Timothy Goodly (Dina), Robert Goodly, Eddie Goodly, Yvette Gallien, and Kimberly Goodly; her twelve beloved grandchildren, and four treasured great-grandchildren; her deeply loved sisters: MaryAnn Guillory, Joyce Dotson and Isie Ned (Rev. Gervis); her adored sister-in-law: Rena Semien; and countless precious nieces, nephews, extended family members, former patients, colleagues, parishioners, and dear friends.

Services will be held on Saturday, July 25, 2026, in Lake Charles, LA. Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation at Kings Funeral Home, 1611 Gerstner Memorial Drive, from 8:00 – 9:45am, with a Rosary at 8:45am. The Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:00 am at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 2031 Opelousas Street, with the interment following the mass at Combre Memorial Park, 2701 Opelousas Street.