Tommie Lou Popich

Tommie Lou Byrd Popich was born November 6, 1925 in Norfolk, Arkansas to the late Evelyn M. Murphy and Thomas E. Byrd. She was also the half-sister of the late Ginger Edgar. Tommie Lou was accepted into nursing school after her senior year of high school in Monroe, LA., but a young corp man named Joseph Anthony Popich, changed her mind.

In 1946, Tommie and Joe were married. Three children were born to them: Alana Jo Popich (Potute) Yuratich (Merle), Richard Anthony Popich, and Aurora Lou Popich Daigle. Eleven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren have become her legacy to date.

Tommie Lou had a blessed life filled with many wonderful experiences. While living in Buras for 23 years, she was an avid bowler, a member of the Delta Amiees Hobby Club, and later an active lieutenant for the Krewe of Cleopatra. She loved to dance with her “Honey”, sing and even did some substituting as a teacher at Buras High School. Her ability with needle and thread made her a gifted seamstress, quilter, and cross-stitcher. In her mid 40’s, she was accepted and graduated from West Jefferson’s LPN program, finally fulfilling her dream of becoming a nurse. Tommie loved to travel and visited many countries abroad. In her later years, cruising with the Golden Opportunity of Belle Chasse became her favorite way to travel. In 2015, now living in Gretna, Tommie celebrated her 90th birthday with her family and many friends. She will be remembered by so many as always loving to have a good time! The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to her loving caregivers Lubia, Rhonda, Christie, Sandra, Rose, Beth, and Jenny. Also, we are grateful to Serenity Hospice for the excellent care they provided our mother as well as Our Lady of Wisdom nursing staff. In lieu of flowers, a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital ( www.stjude.org ) would be greatly appreciated.
Visitation will be held at Mothe Funeral Home, 2100 Westbank Expressway, Harvey, LA on Saturday, July 16, 2022 from 9am to 11am. A Funeral Mass will follow in the funeral home chapel. Interment Westlawn Memorial Park in Gretna.
Family and friends are encouraged to share their condolences, stories and memories by visiting: www.mothefunerals.com .