Earl A. Molaison Jr

Earl A. Molaison, Jr., 79 of Harvey, Louisiana, lost his courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease on January 16, 2024. He passed peacefully, surrounded by his loving family. He was preceded in death by his father, Earl Alphonse Molaison, Sr.; mother, Irma Catherine Vallette Molaison; stepmother, Elise Lassere Molaison; sisters, Patricia Molaison Perdreauville and Ina Claire Molaison Horrigan. He is survived by his eternal love and soulmate, MaryAnn Blanchard Molaison; daughters, Wendy Molaison and Cherie Molaison DeNicola (Dustin). He was the beloved Papa to granddaughter, Alexa DeNicola; grandsons, Trevor Molaison Hoogacker, Travis Molaison Hoogacker, Zachi DeNicola, and Trent Molaison; “Uncle Earl” to many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends. He is also survived by stepsisters, Elaine Borne Shelley and Carole Borne Dickmann. Earl was a native resident of Algiers, Louisiana, where he graduated from Martin Behrman High School in 1965. He proudly joined the United States Navy Reserve, and concomitantly pursued his professional career in barbering. He attended New Orleans Barber College, receiving his license in 1966. After graduation, Earl decided to build his own business. In 1970 he accomplished the groundbreaking, construction and grand opening of his barbershop, Earl’s Hair Designs, located on Franklin Street in Gretna. He enjoyed loyally serving his customers and successfully operating his shop for over three decades. Humorously nicknamed the “Head Choppa” to represent his keen barbering skills, Earl always took pride in delivering the finest customer service and best haircut in Gretna. Aside from being a genuine, gregarious, well-known barber within the community, he was a loyal, consummate professional of many talents. He faithfully dedicated 30 years of service to the Orleans Parish Public School Board while also working as a specialist at the Gretna Water Treatment Facility. Later in his career, his success as lead salesman at Interstate Entertainment earned his promotion to full partnership of the company. After only a short period of retirement, he returned to the chair at Guillot’s Barber Shop and Family Hairworks of Gretna until his illness necessitated definitive retirement in 2019. 

Earl loved socializing and connecting with people. He never met a stranger, living selflessly to spread kindness and to serve others. He exemplified dependability, courtesy, loyalty, sincerity, and community service. One of his most commendable qualities was his altruism. Truly a man of God, he offered free services to the clergy, hospitalized, disadvantaged or any customer experiencing hard times. He was a beacon of hope and positivity, always leading with compassion, kindness, and consideration. 

Despite his formidable work ethic, he always prioritized his family and the role as provider. He was the ultimate fixer of all things, constantly in motion with unrivaled stamina and energy. He was the trusted emergency contact, answering every phone call, ready and willing to save the day. His two most endearing love languages were acts of service and the gift of food. His morning deliveries of warm donuts and generous heart demonstrated his loving dedication. He lived for food, coffee, good restaurants, crawfish boils, family celebrations and birthday cake of any kind, especially his personal favorite - lemon cake.  Above all, he was passionately devoted to the love of his life, his “bride” MaryAnn. Their love story began as fourteen-year-old teenage sweethearts and blossomed into a happy, loving, marriage of 55 years, producing a prized family of two daughters and five grandchildren. In honor of his energetic attentiveness, his grandchildren lovingly nicknamed him “Papa Non-Stoppa” to capture his dynamic, heroic spirit. True to his name, he never stopped delivering his best, and his family was the heart and soul of his existence.

Earl was truly one of a kind, a man of unwavering integrity. He was the gold standard: an adored husband, father, grandfather, friend, and human being. He leaves an eternal, indelible mark on the hearts of everyone that knew and loved him. Although God called him home, his spirit remains vibrant and alive. To all family, friends and former customers, rest assured, as you enter Heaven, Earl will be the first soul to welcome you, patiently smiling behind his barber chair, ready to give you a warm greeting, a cup of coffee, and a sharp, fresh haircut mixed with great conversation.

Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the Visitation on Friday, February 9, 2024 from 11:00am until 1pm, A Funeral Mass will follow at 1pm. At Mothe Funeral Home, 2100 Westbank Expressway in Harvey. Family and friends may view and sign the online guest book at www.mothefunerals.com.