A bright light in our community was extinguished on Saturday, January 9 when Rowlyn Beth (Lynn) Laws Landry passed away suddenly at her home in Franklin. Lynn, 66, is survived by her husband Garrie Landry and daughter Grace Gordey, both of Franklin; and her son Allen Gordey and beloved grandchildren Aiken and Aubrey of Sulfur. She is also survived by five sisters, Lana Downing (Trent) and Margie Luke (Antoine “Bozo”), all of Franklin; Loraine Allain of Lafayette; Kippy Broderson (Kyle) of Lubbock, TX; Mary Horton (Randy) of Franklin; and brother Roland B. “Ben” Laws, Jr. (Stephanie) of New Orleans. She is survived by numerous nieces and nephews who will remember her has their beloved Aunt Winnie, and lifelong best friend Lynn O’Niell.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Roland B. and Alfreda Felterman Laws, and grandparents, R. B. and Mary Svarrar Laws of Franklin, Fulton and Una Blanchard Felterman of Patterson, and her godchild Amy Downing.
A longtime Franklin resident, Lynn was born in Franklin January 22, 1954. She was a graduate of Hanson Memorial High School, received her bachelor’s degree in science from Northeast in Monroe, and her Master’s in education from Nicholls State University. She is remembered by hundreds of area students as a gifted and innovative science teacher. She taught for many years at Hanson, then served as its principal from 1999-2003. She also taught at Centerville High School. She finished her career teaching at Franklin High School.
When she noticed that many of her high school students were struggling with reading, she began a literacy program in area elementary schools called Winnie’s Doll Wardrobe, gifting girls who met their reading goals with dolls dressed in beautiful clothes that she made by hand.
She was faithful to her weekly hour in the Adoration Chapel. When she was teaching, she often spent that hour writing notes to parents of students, especially struggling students, listing their accomplishments.
Upon retiring, Lynn began painting and decorating wooden doll house furniture for collectors. Her online shop rapidly gained faithful followers who sought out her jewel-like, signed creations. Lynn was a behind-the-scenes doer of charitable works, with many of her deeds done anonymously.
Memorial services will be at the Church of the Assumption in Franklin on Thursday, January 14, during a 3:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial which will be live streamed on Ibert’s Mortuary’s YouTube Channel for those unable to attend. Father Michael Russo will be the Celebrant for the Mass with Father Joel Faulk concelebrating and music by Clay Boudreaux. A memorial gathering will be held at the church from 1:00 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. followed by the recitation of the Holy Rosary.
The family would like to thank the Franklin Fire Department’s rescue team and Franklin Police Department for their valiant efforts, and Father Joel Faulk for coming to Lynn’s side so quickly.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial donations be made to Hanson-St. John Schools, Science Dept., 903 Anderson St, Franklin, LA 70538.
Family and friends may view the obituary online by visiting www.iberts.com and are encouraged to share their condolences, cherished memories, love, and support for the family.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Ibert’s Mortuary, Inc., 1007 Main Street, Franklin, LA 70538, (337) 828-5426.