Broussard's Major Dr.
India Minton Billeaud, 83, of Beaumont, died Wednesday, June 30, 2021, after a valiant battle with Alzheimer's Disease. She was born November 5, 1937, in Mississippi and while her formative years were meager, she made it her life's mission to continue educating herself in a manner that warranted that she be taken seriously at a time when that was not the norm. And boy, did she command respect and attention-just ask her kids and grandkids!
In the early 1960's, through her passion for knowledge and advancing herself she landed a job at Key Book Shop which she enjoyed so much as a voracious reader. All the while balancing home life and raising two young children who were involved in everything from rodeos to dance lessons and millions of things in between. Prior to her retirement, India successfully managed several busy medical practices for some of Beaumont's finest physicians, with whom she shared mutual respect and admiration. While her management style was a "no nonsense" approach, she always fought for the benefit of her employees and championed their successes.
India was a strong woman who never had a problem speaking her mind and was never timid about offering her opinion, but she loved with just as much compassion and vehemence! She was always willing to help someone and offer support, rarely giving up on anyone as she could always find goodness in everyone. India mentored so many through her involvement as a Bible Study Fellowship Leader and an Al-Anon advocate, always availing herself to everyone by offering a sympathetic ear and an open heart.
India is preceded in death by her mother, Lola; her siblings, Johnny, Billy and Ann, the father of her children and former spouse, Horace Minton. She is survived by her loving husband, A. C. Billeaud; her children, Stephen Horace Minton, Maris Mehaffy and son-in-law, Jim, and her forever daughter, Lynea; grandchildren, Stephanie Battle (Doug), Haylee Faggard, Tyler Minton, Tom and Pat Mehaffy and Elizabeth Winslow; and great-grandchildren, Rylee, Reese and Reid Battle.
A heartfelt thank you to all of India's extended family of caregivers at Pelican Bay Assisted Living who have so lovingly and selflessly cared for her for almost nine years.
India lived her life with tenacity and grit and certainly left us all with lots of examples and standards, but mostly with lessons about courage and compassion. We invite all who loved her to join "Team Unforgettable India" at the Walk to End Alzheimer's beginning at 8:00 a.m., Saturday, October 16, 2021, at the Event Centre, 700 Crockett Street, Beaumont, in celebration of her life. The most beautiful way to honor our beloved India is through a simple gesture of kindness and helping someone in need, because that is how she lived!
Her cremation arrangements will be handled through Broussard's Crematorium under the direction of Broussard's, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association of Southeast Texas, 700 North Street, Suite M, Beaumont, Texas 77701.
Complete and updated information may be found at: broussards1889.com.
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