I have fought a good fight. I have finished my course. I have kept the faith. Henceforth, there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness which the Lord, the Righteousness Judge, shall give me at that last day.—II Timothy 4:7-8.

Sister Theresa Cain Fondel, 83, a native of Teche, Louisiana, and resident of Lake Charles, LA, departed this earthly life to be with her heavenly Father on January 27, 2023, at Houston Methodist Hospital in Houston, TX after a lengthy illness.  Theresa was born on February 5, 1939, in St. Landry Parish near Opelousas, LA.  Her parents, Eleanor Cain Simmons and Dorsey Simmons instilled in her the importance of putting Christ first in her life, the importance of family, and the value of a good education.  Theresa was baptized at an early age and was active in her church choir.  After completing her elementary and high school education, she enrolled at Grambling College, now Grambling State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education.  She later earned her Masters Degree in Education from McNeese State University. She was a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.  Theresa was employed by the Calcasieu Parish School board as an Elementary Teacher and retired after over 30-years of dedicated service, educating and mentoring children in Calcasieu Parish.   Theresa was a former member of Mt Calvary Baptist Church in Lake Charles, LA under the pastoral care of the late Reverend Horace C. Allison.  She later united with Mt Pilgrim Baptist Church in Lake Charles, LA. where she served faithfully under the pastoral care of the late Reverend Harvey Lawson and later the pastoral care of Reverend Freddie G. Brown.  Currently, she was a member of New Providence Baptist Church in Lake Charles, LA. pastored by Rev. Freddie G. Brown.

Sister Theresa was full of laughter, smiles, and had a positive spirit.  She dedicated herself to raising her children, her great-granddaughter, caring for her ill son (Garry) and mother (Eleanor) until their passing. She loved cooking, baking, and spending time with family and friends.  Theresa was also a successful entrepreneur; she owned three startup businesses that were dear to her heart, Miss Tee's Boutique, Miss Tee's Diner, and Miss Tee's Daycare.

Sister Theresa was preceded in death by parents, Dorsey and Eleanor Simmons; two sons, Garry D. Fondel and Gerald W. Fondel, Sr; grandson, Gerald W. Fondel, Jr.

Sister Theresa leaves to cherish her love and memories one daughter, Trimone Fondel Alex of Lake Charles, LA; one son, George C. Fondel, II of Houston, TX; 7 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and 3 great great-grandchildren; former husband, George C. Fondel, Sr; a host of other relatives and friends.

Celebration of Life Services for Sister Theresa Fondel will be held at 1:00 pm Saturday, February 4, 2023, at New Providence Baptist Church, 307 Deshotel Lane in Lake Charles, LA.  Pastor Reverend Freddie G. Brown will officiate.  Visiting with family and friends will be held in the church from 11:00 am until the time of celebration services. Burial will be in Combre Memorial Park under the direction of Semien-Lewis Mortuary of Jennings, LA.