Preston Pete

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL

PRESTON PETE

1st. Base: 12*27*24 Home Run: 9*29*16

“An Inspiration for Living”

Saint Mary’s of the Angels Catholic Church 3501 North Miro Street * New Orleans, LA 70117

Saturday, October 8, 2016 * 10:00 A.M. Celebrant: Father Dennis Bosse, O.F.M. December 27, 1924 – September 29, 2016

His story

“An Inspiration for living.”

On September 29, 2016, in the early morning hours our dear father Preston Pete departed this life. “The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away.”

Preston Pete was born on December 27, 1924 in Welsh, Louisiana. He lived his youthful years in Iowa, Louisiana. The son of the late Stella Jones Carrier and Allen Pete, and step-father Joe Carrier. He was also preceded in death by his beloved wife Rebecca Simpson Pete and daughters Carolyn R. Pete and Cheryl S. Pete and grandsons Arthur Pete, Jr. and Sulemann El Mansura. Also preceded in death were his sisters, Eula Johnson, Irene Gray and Elnora Burke; his brothers, Ambrose Carrier, Russell Carrier, Rogers Carrier and Ernest Minick.

Surviving to cherish his memory are his daughters, Danielle El Mansura, Irma Pete, Marlene Pete and Gertie Pete Coston (Eddie); his sons, Henry A. Pete (Rosalie), Preston A. Pete (Verna Mae), Bennie G. Pete (Terry), Keith M. Pete (Paula) and Arthur T. Pete (Terry); his sister, Amy Burke and brother, George Minick; sister-in-law, Geraldine Simpson Patterson of New York; Goddaughter, Stephanie Haynes Barrow of Chicago; a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, great great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends as well as special families including the Hickerson, Simpson, Bailey and Houston families.

Preston met, fell in love with and married his beloved wife, the late Rebecca Simpson Pete. They were married on January 18, 1943. A year later they moved back to her hometown of New Orleans, LA where they resided throughout his life. From this union, they lovingly raised 6 girls and 5 boys. They were a large extended family that included his dear mother-in-law, the late Josephine Simpson Stewart, whom he affectionately called “Momma.” Also Rebecca’s uncle, the late Blasselle Simpson from Jamaica whom everyone called “Uncle Blasselle.” Because Rebecca’s father died when she was a young girl, uncle Blasselle stood in as her father and treated Preston like a son. Together they worked and shared homes and prospered.

Preston was blessed with longevity and lived to be 91 years old. He worked as a longshoreman for 33 years before he retired. He advanced from a rabbit, which is what they call new hires, to a winchman and crane operator. His nickname on the riverfront was “slim.” Preston loved to travel. He would take a trip to California, Houston, Iowa or Lake Charles to visit relatives every year. He loved to cook and bake. His favorite cake was pecan jelly cake. He enjoyed celebrating during the holidays and expected all the children to come home for the holidays to be together.

Preston was always on the go. He liked to gamble. He enjoyed bingo and going to the casino. He also enjoyed a good game of cards. During the holidays, everyone knew that after dinner and sports, we were going to have a friendly card game. His favorite words were “what’s taking you so long… play the cards or get out of the game.”

He also liked to watch sports, cowboy western movies and listening to zydeco music.

Preston was a devoted husband, dedicated father and a strong provider. He was loving and supportive of his children, grandchildren and great great grandchildren as well as his nieces and nephews. His wife Rebecca always took in those that needed help. Daddy accepted them also into in home and treated them with kindness and love. He was daddy, uncle Preston and grandpa to so many throughout the years.

Preston was a faithful parishioner at St. Raymond Catholic Church. When St. Raymond closed down he began attending St. Michaels Catholic Church and then St. Alphonse Catholic Church, all located in the Irish Channel / Uptown area. When he moved from the Irish Channel to the ninth ward, he became a member of St. Mary’s of the Angels Catholic Church. He enjoyed bringing the grandchildren and great grandchildren to church.

To our father Preston, we love you Daddy, we will miss you Daddy, but we know you are with Momma, Carolyn and Cheryl and you are no longer in pain. Gone from our sight and touch, but never from our hearts and memory

December 27, 1924 – September 29, 2016

Mass of Resurrection Saint Mar y’s of the Angels Catholic Church 3501 North Miro Street * New Orleans, LA 70117 Saturday, October 8, 2016 * 10:00 A.M.

Celebrant: Father Dennis Bosse, O.F.M. Obituary ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Keith Pete Viewing of Remains Introductory Rites ……………………………………………………………………………………… Fr. Dennis Bosse, O.F.M. Welcoming Sprinkling of Remains with Holy Water Closing and Sealing of Casket and Placing of Funeral Pall Placing of Crucifix on the Casket Opening Song …………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. Emeka Dibia Opening Prayer …………………………………………………………………………………………. Fr. Dennis Bosse, O.F.M. Scripture

1st Reading ………………………………………………………… KaCell El-Mansura Psalm Response ……………………………………………………. Brother Andrew 2nd Reading ……………………………………………………….. KaCell El-Mansura Gospel ……………………………………………………………………………….......................... Fr. Dennis Bosse, O.F.M. Homily ………………………………………………………………………………………………………. Fr. Dennis Bosse, O.F.M. Prayer of the Faithful ……………………………………………………………………………………….. Vanessa Matthews Response – “Lord Hear Our Prayer” Offertory Procession / Reflections …………………………………………………………………….. (2 Minutes Please)

Our Father Sign of Peace Lamb of God Holy Communion Communion Song ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….. Emeka Dibia Prayer After Communion Concluding Rites

Incensing of the Casket .……………………………………………….................................... Bruce El-Mansura Closing Song ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. Emeka Dibia

What Makes A Dad

“I Slipped Away” I slipped away the other day, But before I did, I stopped to pray.

I asked the Lord to comfort you, And see you all safely through.

My dear family, who’s been with me for many years, I asked the Lord to take your hand.

And fit you lovingly in His plan.

I asked the Lord to wipe all your tears away, And give you grace for today.

I asked for my family, one by one, That their prayers be, “Thy will be done.”

I prayed for my nieces and nephews, as I’ve always done, That you would come to know God’s dear son.

God took the strength of a mountain; the majesty of a tree, The warmth of a summer sun; the calm of a quiet sea, The generous soul of nature; the comforting arm of night, The wisdom of the ages; the power of the eagle’s flight, The oy of a morning in spring; the faith of a mustard seed, The patience of eternity; the depth of a family need, Then God combined these qualities; When there was nothing more to add, He knew His masterpiece was complete; And so He called it Dad.

And for all my kindred, saints and friends dear, I just prayed that you all will meet me up here…

So look up, my friends, as you bid me “so long.”

I finally made it to my brand new home.

I am not in pain though I never was you see, But this time, God came and set my spirit free…

Letting Go The angels gathered near your bed; so very close to you, For they knew the pain and suffering you were going through, I thought about so many thigs; so I held tightly to your hand, Oh, how I wished that you were strong and happy once again.

But your eyes were looking homeward; to that place beyond the sky.

Where Jesus held his outstretched arms, it was time to say good-bye.

I struggled with my selfish thoughts, for I wanted you to stay.

So we could walk and talk again, like we did just yesterday.

But Jesus knew the answer and I knew He loved you so.

So I gave to you life’s greatest gift, The gift of letting go.

Love Always, Your Family

A c t i v e Pa l l b e a r e r s Allen Pete * Tyrone A. Pete * Kenneth Pete Tyrone G. Pete * Damien Pete Sean Williams * Ledger Ratliff H o n o r a r y Pa l l b e a r e r s Henry Pete * Preston Pete * Bennie Pete Keith Pete * Arthur Pete * Bruce El Mansura Stephan El Mansura

With Gr atitude & Lov e The family of Preston Pete acknowledges with sincere appreciation, your prayers, support, calls, visits, food donations, flowers, cards and other expressions of sympathy.

May God richly bless you today, tomorrow and forever.

D. W. Rhodes Funeral Home, New Orleans, LA for the professional services provided to our family during this time of sorrow.

SPECIAL DEDICATION A special “Thank You” to our beloved sister and his beloved daughter, Irma Pete, who provided wonderful care and comfort to our father over the years!

Arrangements D. W. Rhodes Funeral Home 3933 Washington Avenue New Orleans, LA 70126

Repast 3929 N. Robertson Street New Orleans, LA 70117

Interment Providence Cemetery & Mausoleum 8200 Airline Highway Metairie, LA 70003 Design & Printing by “Our Celebrations of Life” (504) 453-2186 * ourcelebrationsoflife@gmail.com