Modene West

New Iberia - Funeral services will be at 11:00 AM , Monday, February 7, 2011 , at First Baptist Church in New Iberia for Modene Long West, 91, who passed away on Saturday, February 05, 2011 in New Iberia . Interment will be in Union Cemetery , in Teague , Texas . Rev. Ed Downs will officiate. Modene has been a resident of New Iberia since 1946, moving here with her husband, Avon , from their home in East Texas . She was an educator for 42 years, beginning in a one room schoolhouse in Red Branch, TX in 1939 where she and the district superintendant would cook breakfast for the children on some mornings. After moving to New Iberia where her husband worked in the local oilfield industry, she began teaching at Delcambre Elementary. From there she moved to Hopkins St. Elem. in 1954 where she spent many memorable years teaching third grade and making close friends until 1967. Modene spent her last years in the public schools at Center St. Elem. and retired in 1978. In October of 1978 she returned to her chosen profession at Catholic High School , teaching 5th grade until 1985. She was an active member of First Baptist Church for over 60 years and a faithful member of the Winsome Sunday School Class. She gave many years to the Joy Senior Ministry coordinating their activities and meetings. Always active with other groups, she was a past president of the Acadiana Homemakers Club and a member of the national, state and parish Teachers Associations. Modene derived great joy in all aspects of homemaking. She kept a perfect house and tended a garden from which she delighted in preparing superb meals for family and friends. Also an excellent seamstress, she made many garments for herself, her daughter, and granddaughter. Modene was the youngest of Oscar and Cora Arrant Longs nine children who all have preceded her in death. Her husband of 51 years, Avon West preceded her in death in 1993. Survivors include her daughter, Catherine West Jackson, and her husband Kerry L. Jackson of New Iberia and one granddaughter, Hilary Claire Jackson of Lafayette as well as several nieces and nephews in Texas . Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of New Iberia or a charity of your choice. A gathering of family and friends will be Sunday, from 2:30 PM until 5:00 PM at Pellerin Funeral Home, 502 Jefferson Terrace Blvd , in New Iberia . Visitation will continue Monday from 9:00 AM until 10:30 AM . Pellerin Funeral Home, 502 Jefferson Terrace Blvd., New Iberia, LA 70560, 337.365.3331, is in charge of arrangements.