Idell Ann (Etienne) Paster

Idell Ann Etienne Paster, a resident of Fort Worth, Texas, and native of New Roads, Louisiana, passed away on Thursday, September 26, 2019. She was born to the parentage of Marcelan Etienne, Jr. and Mary Ridgley Etienne on July 19, 1952. Idell was the youngest girl in the family and by far the one with the most calming personality.

A graduate of Rosenwald High School in New Roads, Louisiana, class of 1970, she was the first female elected president of the Student Council in 1970, and she graduated as salutatorian of her class. As a student at Grambling State University, she participated in various organizations, was elected as Ms. Newman Society Queen and Ms. Biology 1973, was inducted into the National Honor Society and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, and was an incredible soprano in the choir. After graduating from Grambling State University, she began the work of changing lives as a passionate educator, serving Monroe City School District as well as Ouachita Parish School in Louisiana. She relocated to Texas and retired from Dallas Independent School District in Dallas, Texas.

As a resident of Monroe, Louisiana, Idell cherished her days acting in plays in both supporting and lead roles at Strauss Theatre Center, and she was the first African American to receive an award for best supportive actress in a comedy drama in 68 years.

Strong in her faith, Idell has always been an active member of a church where she served in various ministries. She sent daily devotions to many far and wide and compiled her works into a book, publication pending.

Idell was preceded in death by her parents; sisters: Annie B. Walker, Jeraline Etienne Brown. and Marceline Etienne Scott; and brothers, Clarence Reynolds and Nelson Etienne, Sr. Those left to cherish precious memories include her son, Malcolm Etienne (Roshanda); daughter, Tambre Paster Thomas (Xavier); sisters: Mable Etienne Isaac, Loubertha Etienne Thomas, and Mary Etienne Duncan; brothers, Joseph Kennies Etienne and Stanley Paul Etienne (Jackie); grandchildren: Jalen Etienne, Jaliyah Etienne, Makyra Etienne, Jordan Thomas, Hope Mary Thomas, Isaiah Thomas, and Dallas Etienne; aunt, Albertine Etienne McCrory; uncle, George Etienne; brother-in-law, David Brown; and a host of other family and friends.

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