Vivian Mae Ducre'

Vivian Mae Williams Ducre', age 86 years old, was born on April 4, 1936, in Tyrawley, Louisiana.  She was the 4th child born to the union of the late Peter Blanchard Williams and Alma Lenore Briggs Williams (Mama Babe), She transitioned unexpectantly from this earthly life on August 14, 2022 in her sleep in the home of her youngest daughter, Briggetta Ducre', where she resided the past 3 years.

She accepted Christ at an early age, raised in the Baptist faith and spent her formative years as a member of First New Light Missionary Baptist Church, Pineville, LA. In preparation for marriage, she converted to Catholicism and was an avid and active member until her untimely passing.

Educated in the Rapides Parish School System, Vivian graduated from Peabody Magnet High School in the mid 1950's. She continued on to University, graduating from the University of Colorado at Denver with her Bachelors in education in 1960. She would continue on several years later, attaining her Master degree in education from Indiana University Northwest, Gary, IN in 1981.

While attending the historic, and now defunct HBCU, Leland College for her freshman and sophomore year, she met a handsome young man on a blind date.  They would cut a mean rug that night on the dance floor and from that magical night on he would become her partner in love and life for the next 63 years. They wed on August 14, 1967, and left their respective homes in Louisiana and set out up North to the once thriving metropolis of Gary, IN. To this union 3 children were born: Alphonse Joseph Ducre' III, Lenore Regina Ducre', and Briggetta Ducre'

Mrs. Ducre' was a teacher for 51 years, retiring at the age of 75 years old. She educated many young minds at the elementary and junior high school levels. She started her tenure in the Rapides Parish School system, Silver City and retired from Frankie McCullough Girls Academy, (formerly Duncan Elementary) in Gary, IN. in 2011.

"Vee" as her husband of 53 years always called her, loved her God, her husband, children and her extended family immensely. Most of her time was spent taking care of all those who meant the most to her. She did not give much time to outside distraction. Her family was her world. She loved being a teacher and poured so much time and attention into her students as well. The main reason she retired after 51 years was to be home to take care of the love of her life, "Duke" who was declining in health.

Mama would lend a helping hand to ANYONE that needed it, her friends, family and co workers can attest to this. She was strength personified, a prayer warrior, steadfast in her beliefs and kind. Always had the right words to say to soothe a troubled heart, and open arms to embrace.

Vivian Mae was preceded in death by her husband, Alphonse Joseph Ducre' Jr.; parents, Peter Blanchard Williams and Alma Lenore Briggs Williams; brothers, Blanchard and Wardell Williams; sister, Beulah Mae Harper; brother-in-law, Richard Harper; 2 sisters-in-law, Carolyn and Betty Lou Williams; son-in-law, Michael D. McDonald; Ace cousins, Shelton (Frankie) Pierce.

Those left to cherish her memory and carry on her legacy: her three children, Alphonse Joseph (Candace) Ducre' III, Lenore Regina (Lee Roy) Ducre' Caldwell, and Briggetta Ducre' (Larry); cherished grandsons, Dorian K. Ducre', and Duke Lee Caldwell; aunt, Sis. Rosanna Earthly; beloved nieces, Belinda (Rick) Blue, Stephanie (John) Tademy, Janice Williams Goff, and Joana (Dwight) Duplessis; nephews, Eric Willaims, Gerald (Angie) Williams; goddaughters, Carletta Chesthand and Scierra LeGarde; Ace cousin Earl Pierce; two sisters-in-law, Mardis Ratliff and Marie Sylve, and cherished best friend, Ms. Verna Moham. She also leaves a host of other beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, other family and cherished friends.

Visitation Saturday, August 27, 2022, 9:00 a.m.- 10:00 a,m. with Homegoing Services  10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. from Ridgelawn Funeral Home 4201 West Ridge Road Gary, Indiana.  Interment Ridgelawn Cemetery.

2 Corinthians 5:1 "For we know taht if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in the heaven, not built by human hands".

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