Sophie Jolene Burnitt Broxson, a member of the First United Pentecostal Church of DeQuincy, was born June 27, 1953, and passed away Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025, at the age of 71. Jolene graduated from McNeese State University with a bachelor’s degree and continued her pursuit of more education earning her title of Education Specialist in 1998. She started her first position as a 5th grade teacher at Hyatt High School in Fields. This was followed by her teaching at DeQuincy Elementary and at the DeQuincy Middle School where she taught special education, computer programming, typing, math, and Algebra 1. After 33 years she retired in 2012. Her love of teaching was clear. She continued as a substitute teacher.
Her love of learning did not end in the classroom. She wanted to not only know about other places but also experience them in real life. Visiting places such as Rome, Paris, Australia, Ireland, and many more, she shared this desire with her husband, children, and grandchildren. Her adventurous spirit was evident in her love to travel. Throughout all of her travels, she took pictures of her family with the location making perfect backgrounds. Her family’s pictures adorn the walls of her home. As a grandmother her love knew no bounds. She found immense joy in bringing her grandchildren to Disney and to other places to make their childhoods magical.
Magical and memorable. Jolene made sure that all who knew her had memories that will always be cherished. Wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, Jolene will always be cherished and remembered by those who knew her for her unwavering love, generosity, adventurous spirit.
She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Martin Terry Broxson of DeQuincy; daughter, Alicia Guidry and husband David of DeQuincy; son, Cory Broxson and wife Denise of DeQuincy; seven grandchildren, Nick, Sarah, Brandon, Briana, Noah, Matthew, and Emily; brothers, John Burnitt and wife Darlene, Ernie Horn and wife Tina, Paul Burnitt and wife Nita, Darien Burnitt and wife Brigida, and Dustin Horn and wife Elizabeth; along with numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her son, Michael Broxson; parents, Edward and Paula Burnitt, and Readis and Patsy Horn.
The family received friends from 5-8 p.m., Friday, Feb. 7, and Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025, from 12 p.m. until the time of the funeral service at 2 p.m., at First United Pentecostal Church in DeQuincy. Pastor Carlton Jackson Jr. and Mr. Joey Franks officiated. Interment followed at Masonic Cemetery in DeQuincy.
Arrangements were handled by Riley Smith & Sons Funeral Home, 1810 W. Fourth St., DeQuincy.
(Paid Memorial)
