Elodie Pichon Gomez, 85, passed away January 3, 2024, at Slidell Memorial Hospital.

Elodie was born in Slidell to the late Myrtle Jones Pichon and Herman Isidore Pichon. She was a retired English teacher at Slidell High School. She was the Valedictorian of Slidell High School Class of 1956, LSU graduate Class of 1960, and later earn her master's degree from UNO.

Her passion for Teaching began in 1960 at Slidell High School until retirement in 1994 where she passed her beloved Senior Class to Donna Manetta. Elodie, for many years was involved in many school activities, especially the annual Senior Plays which she co-produced with Mr. Joseph Buccaran and Ms. Jean Chretien. Her Teaching duties also included being a Dancing Instructor in the evenings after school for many years at Academy of Dance in Slidell with Ms. Janet Jarrell and Ms. Marie Henken which concluded with yearly dance recitals at the Slidell Auditorium. Elodie balanced 2 jobs while raising her 2 sons.

Post Slidell High retirement would bring Elodie to Xavier University in New Orleans in the Environmental Department dealing with Native Americans and the U.S. Government.

It was there she was fortunate to be working again with Ann Bryant Whittemore, who was a longtime friend and former Slidell High colleague. Hurricane Katrina would finally bring Full Retirement that would finally allow her to read even more books, watch more dancing and any program from Britain, and to become a full-time mother and later grandmother and great-grandmother which was the only job more important than being a School and Dance teacher.

Elodie was predeceased by her loving parents, her beloved sister Hermanie Garrett (Hoover) and granddaughter Makana Marie Gomez. She is survived by her sons Merreil (Charmaine) and Ray (Monique). She was "Dee-Dee "to Grandchildren Kayla, Cameron, and Grayce. Great-Grandchildren Ethan, Harper, and Violet.  Aunt "Dee "to Scott (Kristen) and Gavin (Lisa)Garrett and many more nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank Slidell Memorial Hospital for their care over the last few weeks. COAST of St. Tammany for Brianna's weekly help and also the meals delivered over the last year. Also, many thanks to Jo Ann O'Brien for the years of help.

Elodie's love of her fellow colleagues and students, some would become fellow teachers, was boundless. She never wanted the recognition even if it was deserved. Never wanted to be in the spotlight but rather be behind the spotlight shining on her student's success and accomplishments.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to Slidell High School, #1 Tiger Drive, Slidell, LA. 70458. or a gift of dancing lessons to a child.

Merreil and Ray would like to invite all family, friends, and former colleagues and students to Honaker Funeral Home to celebrate "Mom's Grand Adventure" on Thursday, January 11, 2024, Visitation at 9:00 A.M with Funeral Service at 11:00 A.M.  Rev. John Gilmore of First United Methodist Church of Slidell, officiating. Interment will follow in Forest Lawn Cemetery.