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Regular Session, 2012
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 148
BY SENATOR GUILLORY
CONDOLENCES. Expresses condolences upon the death of John Anthony Vallien of
Opelousas.
A RESOLUTION1
To express the sincere condolences of the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana upon the2
death of John Anthony Vallien of Opelousas.3
WHEREAS, it is with great sadness and profound sorrow that the citizens of the state4
of Louisiana learned of the death of John Anthony Vallien on Wednesday, May 23, 2012,5
at the age of seventy-nine; and6
WHEREAS, John Anthony Vallien was a lifelong resident of St. Landry Parish and7
an active member of the Holy Ghost Catholic Church; and 8
WHEREAS, he received his elementary and high school education in St. Landry9
Parish, and subsequently enrolled at Southern University and obtained a bachelor's degree10
in mathematics and social studies; and11
WHEREAS, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served honorably before12
returning to his beloved St. Landry Parish to begin his career as an educator; and13
WHEREAS, described as one of the greatest math teachers of his time, Mr. Vallien14
rapidly rose through the ranks of the school system; and15
WHEREAS, he served as the principal of Carter G. Woodson High School, which16
later became Lawtell Elementary School, and eventually became supervisor of instruction17
for the St. Landry Parish School Board central office; and18 SR NO. 148
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WHEREAS, Mr. Vallien retired from the school system after thirty-seven years of1
distinguished service; and2
WHEREAS, in 2000, he was elected mayor of the city of Opelousas and served one3
term; and4
WHEREAS, Mr. Vallien's term as mayor is characterized by his honesty and dignity,5
and he is credited with laying the groundwork for many successful economic development6
projects for the city of Opelousas; and7
WHEREAS, he remained active in the Opelousas community through various civic8
organizations, including the Agromen, the Tuesday Club, the Knights of Peter Claver, the9
Knights of Columbus, the Retired Teachers' Association, Alpha Phi Alpha Social Fraternity,10
and Phi Delta Kappa; and11
WHEREAS, in his private life, Mr. Vallien was first and foremost a husband and12
father; and13
WHEREAS, he is survived by his son, Don Anthony Vallien and his wife Alishia;14
four daughters, Angie Fields and her husband, Howard "Joe"; Lisa Vallien Moore; Gina15
Readore and her husband, Manuel; and Tykee Jackson and her husband, Leslie; a brother,16
Andrew Vallien and his wife, Theresa; two sisters, Theresa Muwwakkil and her husband17
Yusef; and Audrey Noble and her husband, Charles; and nine grandchildren, Lindsey Payne;18
Katherine Jackson; Niyah Hampton; Michael Fields; Christian Moore; Antonio Vallien;19
Loren Jackson; Sterling Readore; and Anderson Readore; and20
WHEREAS, he is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Gloria C. Vallien; his21
parents, John Vallien and Mary Wilma Mouton Vallien; and three sisters, Verline Juanita22
Guillory; Mary Wilma Angel; and Laura Belle Morrison; and23
WHEREAS, the passing of John Anthony Vallien has left a tremendous void in the24
Opelousas community and has created a genuine sense of sorrow in those individuals who25
mourn the loss of this wonderful man whose memory shall forever remain alive in their26
hearts and minds.27
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana28
does hereby express sincere and heartfelt condolences upon the death of John Anthony29
Vallien, and does hereby extend posthumous honor and recognition to him for his30 SR NO. 148
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incomparable legacy which is marked by the deep pride and honor that he will forever bring1
to his family, friends, community, church, and state.2
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the3
family of John Anthony Vallien.4
The original instrument and the following digest, which constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument, were prepared by Nancy Vicknair.
DIGEST
Guillory SR No.
Expresses condolences upon the death of John Anthony Vallien of Opelousas.