Velma Edgens

Velma Theresa Hebert Edgens, a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and sister, passed away peacefully on Friday, Dec. 5, 2025, at the age of 89. Velma was born on May 18, 1936, in Whiteville, Louisiana. In the mid 1950s, she moved from her hometown of Palmetto, Louisiana, to Baton Rouge where she worked downtown as a BellSouth switchboard operator. She was a devout Catholic and a proud parishioner of St. Isidore the Farmer in Baker for most of her life. During her time at St. Isidore, Velma worked as a substitute teacher, volunteer and chaperoned many of exciting school field trips. She eventually went on to work at the EBR Parish Clerk of Court Office as a deputy clerk. Among all her work experience, the job she felt most rewarding was being a grandmother.

Her family was her entire life. There was never a ball game, school performance or doctors appointment that she missed for her grandchildren. She enjoyed hosting her family for all the holiday gatherings, especially Christmas Eve. She was a founding member of countless pokeno, cards and dominos groups with her sisters, daughters-in-law, neighbors, daughter and friends. Velma was an avid reader and bled purple and gold. Her love for LSU Baseball ran deep and even led to a few special calls made to her by former Head Coach Paul Mainieri.

Velma is preceded in death by her parents, Theodule and Dora Hebert; her loving husband, Donald Edgens; sisters, Beatrice Schexnayder and Gladys DuPont; three brothers, Joseph Clifton "J.C." Sr., William and Theodule Jr.; and daughter-in-law, Kathy Kinsley Edgens.

Velma was loved by so many people, family and friends included. She is survived by her sister, Jane Morain Kinchen; daughter, Pamela Vicknair (Rusty), and two sons, Daryl (Robin) and Gerry; nine grandchildren, including Lon Vicknair, Meredith Thigpen, Keegan Larisey, Tabitha Edgens, Samantha Murray, Tyler Edgens, Tara Kaviratna, Hunter Edgens and Heather Edgens; and 27 great grandchildren.

Relatives and friends are invited to join the family for visitation at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church at 14040 Greenwell Springs Road on Thursday, December 11, 2025, from 10:00 AM -11:30 AM with a funeral Mass to follow officiated by Father Michael J. Moroney. Following the Mass, a graveside service and burial will be held at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens, in Baker, Louisiana.

"My life - it's better left to chance, I could have missed the pain but I'd have had to miss the dance"

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to make a donation in her memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital - an organization held very near and dear to her heart.