Bernadine (Williams) Batiste

Bernadine Williams Batiste, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, teacher, mentor, and friend, was born on July 5, 1952, to James G. Williams Sr. and Laura Skipper Williams. She peacefully transitioned on August 30,2025 into eternal rest, leaving behind a legacy of love, service, and unwavering faith that will continue to shine in the lives of all who knew her.

A proud graduate of Washington High School’s Class of 1970, Bernadine pursued her passion for education at McNeese State University in Lake Charles, Louisiana. There, she earned her Bachelor of Education, her Master’s of Education degree, and continued post-graduate studies, completing the +30hrs post Master’s in Education designation. She believed deeply in the power of education to transform lives and committed herself to that mission wholeheartedly.

For decades, Bernadine poured her heart into teaching at Mossville Elementary, J.D. Clifton Elementary and Sacred Heart Catholic School. Her dedication extended beyond the classroom as she also served as a librarian at the Calcasieu Parish Public Library’s Epps Memorial Branch. Whether as a teacher, librarian, or mentor, Bernadine touched countless children and families throughout the Lake Charles community, inspiring them with her wisdom, compassion, and boundless encouragement.

As a college student, Bernadine’s selfless and jovial spirit immediately identified with the service and sisterhood of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. She happily became a member of Lambda Gamma Chapter on McNeese State University's Campus. Following completion of her college degree, she became a member of Beta Kappa Zeta graduate Chapter. She served faithfully in various capacities and was proud when she earned the international designation of "Zeta Crystal Dove" for her fifty-two years of service to the sisterhood.

A faithful servant of the Lord, Bernadine was a lifelong member of Evergreen Missionary Baptist Church. There, she gave generously of her time and spirit—serving as an usher, youth mentor, and Boy Scouts troop leader. She instilled leadership, integrity, and faith in countless young men and women, including her beloved children, Donica, Donald Jr and Bernette.

Bernadine’s love story with her devoted husband, Donald Batiste Sr., was one of unwavering commitment and joy, spanning 46 years of marriage. Together, they built a family grounded in faith, resilience, and unconditional love. She was the proud and devoted mother of Donica, Donald Jr. (Lauren Williams-Batiste), and Bernette. She loved being a Grandmother to her 6 grandkids, Makayla Thomas, Donisha Thomas, Donald Thomas III, Samantha Flott, Jakaylee Tillman and Ada Williams Batiste. She embraced her roles as wife, mother, mother-in-law, sister, aunt, linesister, soror, teacher, and friend with grace, warmth, and open arms.

She was preceded in death by her parents, James G. Williams Sr. and Laura Skipper Williams, her brother Ervin Williams Sr., her mother-in-law Alice Batiste, father-in-law Calvin Batiste, sister-in-law Gaynelle Carrier and her brother-in-law Gerald Batiste. Cherishing her memory are her siblings Alvin Williams, James G. Williams Jr.(Dorothy), and Kathy Strong (Travane); her in-laws Joseph Carrier, Kenneth (Valerie) Batiste, Frank Batiste, Barbara Batiste, Brenda Batiste, Anthony (Marcella) Batiste Sr; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, students, classmates, sorors, and dear friends.

To know Bernadine was to know unconditional love. She was a living example of a Christ-centered life—radiating God’s grace, generosity, and kindness in all that she did. She taught by word and by action that true faith is shown through service, compassion, and the lifting up of others. Her legacy will live on in the lives of her family, her community, and every person she touched with her beautiful spirit.

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