Doloris "Dee" Sebastien Sylvester

It is with deep sorrow and a profound sense of gratitude for a life well-lived that we announce the peaceful passing of Doloris "Dee" Sebastien Sylvester, at the age of 87, surrounded by her loving family at Mercy Regional Medical Center in Ville Platte, Louisiana, on March 11, 2024. Known affectionately as Dee, she leaves behind a legacy brimming with happiness, fortitude, and immense love. A Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted at Our Lady Queen of All Saints Catholic Church on Friday, March 15, 2024, at 10:00 AM. A Memorial Burial at Gates of Heaven will be held at a future date.

Born in Plaisance and a pillar of Ville Platte since 1958, with brief sojourns in New Orleans and Lafayette, Dee’s life embodied the beauty found in simplicity, the power of kinship, and the delight of gathering around a kitchen table laden with games, laughter and her legendary hamburgers. Her formative years amidst the family-run Sebastien's Grocery nurtured exceptional organizational talents that she later utilized in managing various enterprises including a small farm, the local radio station KNEK, and overseeing financial matters for numerous family ventures.

Yet beyond her professional achievements lay Dee's heart devoted entirely to her family. A dedicated mother to her three children; a caring grandmother to nine grandchildren; a proud great-grandmother to seven little ones. Her affection also extended to nieces and nephews along with all those whose lives she graced. Dee’s firm belief in hard work and education as cornerstones for a meaningful life served as an inspiration to all who crossed paths with her.

With an infectious smile and an unparalleled sense of humor as her trademarks, Dee left an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to meet her. Her enthusiasm for life and gift for uniting people through her culinary creations and games will be dearly missed.

Dee was reunited in passing with her dear parents Voris "Dan" Sebastien and Hilda Deville Sebastien; her beloved husband of 63 years Dr. Gardnel "Doc" Sylvester; her brothers Robley "Bob" and Drewitt Sebastien; and her treasured fur baby Daisy.

She leaves behind a cherished tapestry of family: daughter Kathy and son-in-law Dr. Dan Foster along with grandsons Greg, Brad, and Doug Foster; son Dr. Carl Sylvester and daughter-in-law Sally in Ville Platte along with granddaughter Dr. Sarah Sylvester-Kwong and grandson Dr. Christopher Sylvester; son Dr. Keith Sylvester in Alexandria along with grandson Jason Sylvester; granddaughters Dr. Taylor Sylvester, Sydney Sylvester, Morgan Sylvester—whom she adored greatly—and seven great-grandchildren whose presence brought immense happiness to her life.

A visitation will be held at Ardoin’s Funeral Home of Ville Platte on Thursday, March 14, 2024, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM including a Rosary service at 6:00 PM. Visitation will continue on Friday, March 15, 2024, from 8:00 AM until the commencement of the service.

We extend heartfelt appreciation to the staff at Mercy Regional Medical Center—Dr. Eduardo Alvarez and Dr. Jake LeFleur—for their compassionate care; special gratitude is also conveyed to Elizabeth and Ray Fontenot, Mechelle Brown, Danita Arnett and Marie Chapman for their profound affection towards Dee.

As we bid farewell to Doloris Sebastien Sylvester may we remember not sorrow but the joy she brought into our lives and the wisdom she imparted upon us all. Her legacy woven from love, laughter and resilience shall forever serve as an inspiration guiding us forward.