Eugena James Catherine Memorial Program

Page 1


MY STORY

HEY, Y'ALL!

IT'S ME, EUGENEA! (Or what some of you know me by: "G-Pop," "Gee," or "Genea.") Okay, let me spill the tea about my life. I came into this world on May 1, 1995, at Woman's Hospital in Baton Rouge, thanks to my amazing parents, Eugene Taylor and Debbie James. They were like everybody's Mama and Daddy, always taking care of folks. They introduced me to God, and I got baptized at an early age by Rev. Ricardo Handy, Sr., at Mt. Zion Church in Plaquemine.

My siblings? They gave me so many personalities, I could write a book about it! I learned to hustle like Travis, stay cool like Eugene, and be erce like Shayls and Mekey. I had the playful spirit of Kayla, the wisdom of Tashiana, and the drive of Henry. Each one of them shaped a di erent part of who I am. They made me tough, they made me tender, and most importantly, they made me whole.

So, I had 11 siblings. Yup, a whole squad. Let's break it down:

My brother Henry (Ashley)...y'all, he would fuss a lot, but he kept me in sports and always had my back.

My sister Tashiania, she was my role model. She showed me what it meant to hustle hard and shine bright.

Levar (Meashan), my absolute fave, we were the babies in the family. We shared secrets and dreams, we were always up to something.

Swantreca, now that’s my athletic twin. We’d compete and push each other to be the best.

Don't cross me, 'cause I’d ght just like Shaylor and Schmeka (Francis).

I could stay to myself like Eugene. He taught me the beauty of just chilling and re ecting.

Despite all odds, I hustled like Travis. No matter what, I got up and got it done.

Kayla was my twin in spirit. We just got each other without even trying.

MY STORY

My daddy was a rolling stone, so when I found out about Monique later in life, I was all kinds of tickled, mad, and everything in between. But you know what? I love her, my nieces, and my nephew to pieces and wouldn’t change a thing—except maybe meeting them sooner. Seriously, Daddy, how could you keep that from me, your baby? Or am I really the baby? Haha!

I was Chad's biggest fan. His car shows were lit, and I’d always be there, I would go "buck him up" and dance, I loved hyping him up.

I worked as a certi ed tness trainer. I’d push you till you wanted to quit, but nope, not on my watch! We’d be running the Levee till your knees were weak, but I wouldn’t let you stop.

Fitness was my passion, my life. I knew it was my calling, y'all. It wasn’t just a job; it was my whole vibe. I loved pushing you to your limits and celebrating every little win. It wasn’t just about the sweat and e ort—it was about nding that joy in movement and pushing boundaries. I thrived on seeing you crush your goals and get pumped about your progress. So, keep moving, keep hustling, and let that re in you burn bright. Fitness was my way of showing love and inspiration, and I hope it keeps you thriving just like it kept me.

I’d motivate and encourage everyone around me. I wanted to be a light, a genuine spirit to anyone who met me.

So, let's back track a bit, I went to Plaquemine High, then Port Allen High, but graduated from Baker High. I should’ve gone to the WNBA or something, but tearing my Achilles heel ended that dream. College was cool, but I knew my heart was in tness, so I went all in.

School was, mostly, where I met the best friends I’d keep for life. Chelsea and I were ride-or-die since middle school, always in sync with each other. Felicia and I go waaaay back, since diapers, and Robertressi was my Baker High Bestie. Jas, well our roots go back to Port Allen and all the hilarious moments that come with it. These friends were more than just my girls—they were my chosen family, each one adding a special touch to my life.

MY STORY

I traveled with the KY track team, Kenner Angels Basketball, and the Baton Rouge Tigers Basketball. Those trips were the best, full of fun and great memories.

Now, let me brag on myself a little bit… I was a total beast in basketball and track, making all-district and all-state in both. My number was 12, which stands for "1 life 2 live," just like my bestie Jas always said, and I’ve been rolling with it ever since. I passed the ball to Tabo and the baton to Tugboat, but I know my other TeeTee babies are gonna shine, too. I’ll be that angel on their right shoulder, cheering them on and keeping them motivated, just like I always did.

I’m so proud of the legacy I’ve left on the court and the track, but it’s not just about the trophies and titles. It’s about passing on the spirit, the hustle, and the love for the game to the next generation. I’ve seen my TeeTee babies grow, and I’m excited to see them make their own mark. I’ll be watching from above, ready to cheer them on, share in their victories, and remind them that they’ve got the same re and drive that made me a champ. So keep pushing, keep striving, and know that I’m right there with you and loving you every step of the way.

To my husband Donovan, I love you with every bit of me. We’ve been through thick and thin, side by side for 15 years. Now, you better not nd anyone else because, let’s be real, there’s no other me—haha! But seriously, take care of our boys, make them into great men, and teach them all the amazing things we talked about. Semaj will never have ANOTHER MOMMY, and that’s a fact—haha! I love y'all so much, and I’m cheering you on to be great and do everything we dreamed of. If you decide to date again, pick someone great for you and our boys, but remember, there’s no other me—lol. Talk to you later. Remember "ICU" by Coco Jones? That was my jam. So, if you hear it playing, that’s me sending you all my love and vibes from above. THE ONLY MRS. DONOVAN CATHERINE!!!!

I have a stepson, Donovan, DJ, my rst baby, and then my own son, Semaj, who I called "Poppa." Named him after my maiden name, James spelled backwards. Semaj had my whole heart. He was my everything.

To my boys, you are KINGS! Mommy loves you more than words. Okay, let me tell y'all about SpongeBob. That little yellow sponge was my ultimate comfort. I mean, who wouldn’t love a sponge who lives in a pineapple under the sea? It could always make me laugh, no matter how rough my day was. Whenever I needed a break or just wanted to chill, I’d throw on an episode and instantly feel better. It wasn’t just a cartoon; it was like therapy. SpongeBob reminded me to nd joy in the little things, to laugh at life and to always stay optimistic, even when things got tough. It was my happy place.

I always kept my nails and hair on point. I’d do my own hair, trying out di erent styles from YouTube and TikTok. My hair was always poppin’.

Favorite food? Junk, can you believe that? Burgers and fries were my ultimate comfort food, and I’d eat them all day if I could. There’s something about that perfect combo of a burger and crispy fries that just made everything better. It was my guilty pleasure, my little indulgence that always brought a smile to my face. My other guilty pleasure was going to Circle K and grabbing a "Polar Pop" drink!

If you knew me, you knew Red and Black were my colors. They were my go-to for everything, adding a bold touch to my style and showing o my personal air. Red and Black were always on point, making sure I stood out and stayed erce.

Confession time: Remember when I wrecked the van? Yep, that was me texting Jas and driving, completely distracted and not paying attention. I'm saying it now 'cause well now I can't get in trouble, but Ma and Pop are mean mugging me tho.

Do y'all remember that time I dyed my hair with red Kool-Aid? I thought it’d be a fun, quick change, but baaaaaaaby! That color was STUCK in my hair forever! I couldn't get that color out for ANYTHING! It was a mess, but it made for some hilarious memories and stories to tell. If you have pictures you BET NOT show anyone or I will haunt you! �

To my sisters and brothers, I have always heard that people know when they are going to transition, I guess somehow I knew, too because it was SO important for me to meet with each of you. Remember? I cried when I came to you. I wanted you all to be at peace and have each other's backs. I said that for a reason. Please do that. Always have each other's backs and spread love.

To my nieces and nephews, you’ll always be your Tee Tee’s babies. Do great things and make me proud.

To my Poppa, my precious baby, know that your Mommy loves you with her whole heart. Be strong and keep shining. Remember all the hugs, the laughter, and our special moments. I’ll always be with you, cheering you on from above. Be brave, follow your dreams, and never forget how much you are loved.

I want everyone to know I’m back with my Mom, Dad, and Nari. I’m at PERFECT peace. Don’t mourn me, celebrate me. I love y’all, and we’ll meet again. Take care of Poppa. Be strong! I’m o to my next adventure, but I’m leaving you with a ton of love and a little bit of mischief. Keep rocking, laughing, and chasing your dreams just like I would. Remember, I’ll be watching over you, cheering you on, and making sure you’re not missing any opportunities. So go out there and shine bright—make me proud, and don’t forget to live life with the same passion and humor I did. Love you always!

Gee signing out!!

FOUR QUARTERS

FIRST QUARTER

Old Testament: Minister In Charge

New Testament: Minister In Charge

Prayer: Minister in Charge

SECOND QUARTER

Pastoral Remarks

Solo: Jennifer Williams

THIRD QUARTER

Tributes:

As Classmate: Lester Scot

As friend: Ivy Martin

As Team Mate: Di' Mond Jackson

Obituary: Genesis Allen

FOURTH QUARTER

Ministers Acknowledgements

Words of Cornfort: Reverend Rick Whaley

Solo: Micheal Bingham

Eulogy: Reverend Ricardo Handy Sr.

LAST SHOT

Final Glimpse

Interment

Recessional

CENTERS

(Active Pallbearers)

(Honorary Pallbearers)

Semaj

Gernesia

Shooting Guards

(God Parents) (God Brothers) (God Sisters)

John Joseph

Baker High School Class of 2014

POINT GUARDS

(Mother-In-Law)

(Uncles)

Troy

(Brothers-in-law)

David

(Aunts)

Penny

Tracey (Donald) Carter

Plaquemine, La. 70764

Interment Repast

Grace Memorial Cemetery Carl F. Grant Civic Center

Bayou Jacob Road 24700 J Gerald Berret Blvd.

Plaquemine, Louisiana 70765

Plaquemine, Louisiana 70764

Acknowledgments

We know we could not have made it without you, our friends and loved ones. The compassionate thoughts, earnest prayers, encouraging smiles, comforting expressions, orals and other countless acts of kindness brought solace to our hearts. May God forever richly bless and keep you.

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