Page 1 of 2
Regular Session, 2012 ENROLLED
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 148
BY SENATORS GUILLORY AND GALLOT
A RESOLUTION
To express the sincere condolences of the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana upon the
death of John Anthony Vallien of Opelousas.
WHEREAS, it is with great sadness and profound sorrow that the citizens of the state
of Louisiana learned of the death of John Anthony Vallien on Wednesday, May 23, 2012,
at the age of seventy-nine; and
WHEREAS, John Anthony Vallien was a lifelong resident of St. Landry Parish and
an active member of the Holy Ghost Catholic Church; and
WHEREAS, he received his elementary and high school education in St. Landry
Parish, and subsequently enrolled at Southern University and obtained a bachelor's degree
in mathematics and social studies; and
WHEREAS, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served honorably before
returning to his beloved St. Landry Parish to begin his career as an educator; and
WHEREAS, described as one of the greatest math teachers of his time, Mr. Vallien
rapidly rose through the ranks of the school system; and
WHEREAS, he served as the principal of Carter G. Woodson High School, which
later became Lawtell Elementary School, and eventually became supervisor of instruction
for the St. Landry Parish School Board central office; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Vallien retired from the school system after thirty-seven years of
distinguished service; and
WHEREAS, in 2000, he was elected mayor of the city of Opelousas and served one
term; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Vallien's term as mayor is characterized by his honesty and dignity,
and he is credited with laying the groundwork for many successful economic development
projects for the city of Opelousas; and
WHEREAS, he remained active in the Opelousas community through various civic
organizations, including the Agromen, the Tuesday Club, the Knights of Peter Claver, the
Knights of Columbus, the Retired Teachers' Association, Alpha Phi Alpha Social Fraternity, SR NO. 148 ENROLLED
Page 2 of 2
and Phi Delta Kappa; and
WHEREAS, in his private life, Mr. Vallien was first and foremost a husband and
father; and
WHEREAS, he is survived by his son, Don Anthony Vallien and his wife Alishia;
four daughters, Angie Fields and her husband, Howard "Joe"; Lisa Vallien Moore; Gina
Readore and her husband, Manuel; and Tykee Jackson and her husband, Leslie; a brother,
Andrew Vallien and his wife, Theresa; two sisters, Theresa Muwwakkil and her husband
Yusef; and Audrey Noble and her husband, Charles; and nine grandchildren, Lindsey Payne;
Katherine Jackson; Niyah Hampton; Michael Fields; Christian Moore; Antonio Vallien;
Loren Jackson; Sterling Readore; and Anderson Readore; and
WHEREAS, he is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Gloria C. Vallien; his
parents, John Vallien and Mary Wilma Mouton Vallien; and three sisters, Verline Juanita
Guillory; Mary Wilma Angel; and Laura Belle Morrison; and
WHEREAS, the passing of John Anthony Vallien has left a tremendous void in the
Opelousas community and has created a genuine sense of sorrow in those individuals who
mourn the loss of this wonderful man whose memory shall forever remain alive in their
hearts and minds.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana
does hereby express sincere and heartfelt condolences upon the death of John Anthony
Vallien, and does hereby extend posthumous honor and recognition to him for his
incomparable legacy which is marked by the deep pride and honor that he will forever bring
to his family, friends, community, church, and state.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the
family of John Anthony Vallien.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE