Barbara Armelin Drexler

Barbara Armelin Drexler was born on November 11, 1938, to the union of James C. Armelin, Sr., and Phyllis Delasbour Armelin in Baldwin, LA. Born the oldest girl in a family of ten siblings, Barbara, or "Fee," as she was affectionately known, assumed her role as "big sister" around the age of ten. She worked as a babysitter and domestic helper to ensure that she/we had the extras we needed.

Her jobs were numerous, as she also worked to complete her education – encouraging all of us to strive to improve our lots in life. She graduated from Franklin Negro High School in 1956; and from there, she went to work as a paraeducator in the St. Mary Parish School System. At the same time, she attended trade school, majoring in business. Mother and Daddy gave us the necessities, and Fee provided the "extras."

Fee's personal excellence was recognized when she landed jobs in the Clerk of Courts office, St. Mary Parish School System, First National Bank (Whitney), and the local libraries. All the jobs not only raised her academically, but helped her to help us in our goals as well. We all remember getting financial help from her while we pursued our dreams.

She leaves to honor her memory: her husband, James Drexler, Sr.; one son, Jason; a grandson, JaQuan; a granddaughter, Shyra Jefferson; ten brothers and sisters, James Jr. (Audrey), Murphy (Earline), C. J. (Carrie), Raymond (Barbara), Clyde, Myrtha (Joe Shields), Verna, Sylvia, Shannon (George Taylor), and Sharon (Eugene Hills), as well as a "bonus " sister, Isabella Ruth Teno; a niece who always thought she was a sister, Debra Bell (Anthony); three brothers-in-law, Alvin (Lucille), Wilbur Roy, and Steven (Sharon); two sisters-in-law, Rose Fisher and Barbara "Beanie" Manuel; and a host of nieces, nephews, godchildren, cousins, and friends, especially Audrey Armelin, Violet Thompson, and Alice H. Reed