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New Orleans Area Deaths Balsamo Sr., John Banks, Leslie Chee, Kam Cooper, Timika Jeffrey, Betty McBurney, Donald Mindak, William Overstreet Jr., William Rainey, Antonio Rankins, Landon Rizzuto, Betsy Scariano, Jack Schexnaydre, Carol Talbert, Victor Watkins, Jerry Williams Jr., John Wiltz Sr., Edward Young, Gary
E Jefferson Garden of Memories Balsamo Sr., John Rankins, Landon Watkins, Jerry
New Orleans Charbonnet Overstreet Jr., William Wiltz Sr., Edward DW Rhodes Williams Jr., John Gertrude Geddes
Banks, Leslie Cooper, Timika Rainey, Antonio
bered for his quiet warmth, his devotion to family, and the love he gave so freely. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Visi‐ tation at Garden of Memo‐ ries Funeral Home, 4900 Airline Drive Metairie, LA 70001 on Monday, June 9, 2025 from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm. He will be laid to rest immediately after in Garden of Memories Ceme‐ tery. The family requests donations to St. Jude Chil‐ dren’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org. Online condolences may be of‐ at www.gardeno fered fmemoriesmetairie.com.
Banks, Leslie
Leslie Banks, age 37, a native and resident of Houma, LA, was born on April 6, 1988. She passed away on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. She leaves to cherish her memories, her mother Pamela Banks, her daugh‐ ter Cy-lay Banks; siblings, James, Robert Randall James, Frederick Banks, Banks, Frank Darnell Banks, Jr., Cameron Miller and by a host of aunts, un‐ cousins, nieces, cles, family and nephews, friends. Leslie was pre‐ ceded in death by her fa‐ ther Francis Banks; grand‐ parents, Evelyn Calloway, Mary Ann Banks and Melvin Banks. You may sign the guest book on http://www.gertrudeged deswillis.com. Gertrude Geddes Willis-Terrebonne Funeral Home, Inc. in charge, (985) 872-6934.
Chee, Kam Yue Fong
Greenwood Chee, Kam Lake Lawn Metairie
Scariano, Jack
St Tammany EJ Fielding McBurney, Donald Young, Gary Grace Funeral Talbert, Victor Honaker Rizzuto, Betsy Schexnaydre, Carol
Obituaries Balsamo Sr., John Dominick
John Dominick Balsamo, Sr., age 84, passed away on June 1, 2025. A devoted husband, father, grandfa‐ ther, and uncle, he shared 62 wonderful years of mar‐ riage with his beloved wife, Lynn Grevemberg Balsamo. John was the proud father of two sons, the late John Dominick Balsamo Jr. and the late James Kenneth Balsamo, and the loving grandfather of Brandon Balsamo, Brittany B. Faust (Bryson), Caleigh Balsamo, and Eliza Balsamo. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, John was the son of the late Dominick Paul Bal‐ samo and the late Nina Governale Balsamo. He grew up alongside his sib‐ Betty Balsamo lings: Fleeger, Robert “Bobby” F. Balsamo, and the late Sal‐ vador J. Balsamo. He was also a cherished uncle to many nieces and nephews who held him dear. John dedicated his career to the Jefferson Parish School Board, working as a heat‐ ing and air conditioning engineer until his retire‐ ment. He found joy in the simple pleasures of life— cooking, browsing sale ads, and cheering on his favorite teams, the New Orleans Saints and the LSU Tigers. He will be remem‐
Kam Yue Chee (née Fong), age 76, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family and friends on June 1, 2025, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Born on September 22, 1948, in Can‐ ton, China, Kam began her life in a place rich with tra‐ dition and culture. Her journey eventually brought her to the United States, where she built a life rooted in love, faith, and family. Kam was a devoted wife to Woon Tong Chee and a loving mother to her daughter Selina Chee and son Albert Chee. She shared a close bond with her son-in-law Adam Wil‐ son. She is also survived by two brothers, Tai Ming Fong and Tai Nam Fong, both of Hong Kong. Her family was the center of her world, and she poured her heart into creating a warm and nurturing home. A woman of deep faith, Kam was a longtime mem‐ ber of the Chinese Christ‐ ian Church of Baton Rouge. Her commitment to her community re‐ church flected her generous spirit and unwavering belief in service to others. She was always willing to lend a helping hand and offer support wherever it was needed. Kam had a passion for cooking and baking that brought joy not only to her family, but also to all who had the pleasure of sharing a meal at her table. Her culinary talents were matched by her green thumb. She found peace and fulfillment in garden‐ ing, tending lovingly to each plant as she did with every aspect of her life. Those who knew Kam will remember her as a kindhearted woman whose care for others left an en‐ during impact. Her legacy lives on through the love she gave so freely, and the memories cherished by those closest to her. May her memory bring comfort and peace to all who knew and loved her. Services will be private. For condo‐ lences, please visit www. greenwoodfh.com.
Cooper, Timika Lynette
Timika Lynette Cooper, age 39, a native and resi‐ dent of Houma, LA, was born on July 25, 1985. She passed away on Monday, May 19, 2025. She leaves to cherish her memories, her parents Leroy Jones and Darlene Robinson (Ralph); siblings, Genevieve Lock‐ hart (Byron), Joseph Jones, Jones, Kentrell Keron Jones, Joshuas Jones and Javon McKay and his Wallace grandparents, Jones and Christine Jones. Timika was preceded in death by her brother, Leroy O’Neil Jones; grandparents, Willie and Gloria Smith and Barbara Jones. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the Celebration of Life Services on Saturday, June 7, 2025 at Gertrude Geddes Willis-Ter‐ rebonne Funeral Home, 617 Bond St., Houma, LA 70360 at 1:00 p.m. Visitation from 12:00 noon until 1:00 p.m. Interment in Woodlawn Ranch Cemetery, Houma, LA. You may sign the guest book on www.gertrudeged Gertrude deswillis.com. Geddes Willis-Terrebonne Funeral Home, Inc. in charge, (985) 872-6934.
Jeffrey, Betty Lou Wilson
Betty Lou Wilson Jeffrey passed peacefully from this world on June 5, 2025, after a full 96 years of life. She was loved deeply by her extensive family, revered as a pioneering businesswoman and devoted philanthropist, and a cherished friend to all who knew her. Betty was born in 1928 and raised in Louisville, Kentucky amongst a hardworking family that ran a successful multi-generational business, Anderson Wood Products. She attended Mary Baldwin University in Staunton, Virginia and graduated from University of Louisville with two B.A. degrees - one in History and one in English Literature. Her graduation present, a trip to Europe, was congruent with her sense of adventure and ignited her life -long love of travel. In Louisville, Betty got a job as a secretary and met her first husband George H. Wilson. They were married in 1951, and in 1954, the young couple moved to New Orleans to expand the Wilson family business, R.B. Tyler Company. Betty played a supportive role from home until George's untimely death in 1977. As a widowed mother of three, she went against advice to sell what had become Barriere Construction Co. LLC and officially got to work. Betty was Chairwoman of Barriere for 15 years. She was motivated by the challenge of being a female executive in the construction industry during the 1970s and 80s, and she infused the company with family values while holding space for her sons to take over, which they eventually did. Betty set the foundation for Barriere's Culture of Care as the company became a leading contractor in the Gulf South. Betty prioritized the safety and wellbeing of employees her signature achievement being a comprehensive safety program that, like herself, was ahead of its time. Betty stepped away from day-to-day management of Barriere in 1994, officially passing the torch to her sons who established the company's Betty A. Wilson Education and Safety Scholarship in 1995. She remained Chairwoman Emeritus until Barriere was acquired in 2021 after four generations and seven decades of private ownership and operation. As a business executive, Betty channeled her influence into industry leadership. On behalf of Associated General Contractors, she liaised with the Equal
Employment Opportunity Commission to institute the Road Builders Association On-the-Job Training Program. She was also integral to creating the alliance that still exists between Louisiana AGC and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. In 2004, Betty was elected as an Honorary Lifetime Member of LAGC and inducted into its Hall of Honor. Throughout her life, Betty shared her love of people and knack for building consensus with numerous charitable organizations. She was particularly inspired as a long-time Board member of the YMCA of Greater New Orleans and honored as YMCA Humanitarian of the Year in 1988. She was a Board member of Austin Presbyterian Seminary where the Betty Wilson Jeffrey Fellowship Fund and a faculty endowment fund were established in her honor. For 40+ years, Betty was an active member and Elder of Lakeview Presbyterian Church where she met her second husband Neill P. Jeffrey Jr. They were married in 1989 and split their time between New Orleans and Black Mountain, North Carolina where they built a beautiful home and life together until Neill's death in 1998. Betty continued to split her time between New Orleans and her mountain home for the last decades of her life. She was surrounded by friends and family and remained active in Bounty and Soul, a wellness and educational organization that connects community through local food. More recently, Betty became a member of St. Charles Avenue Presbyterian Church where many of her sons, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren are active members. She lived out her final years at Christwood Retirement Community. Betty was predeceased by her parents, Sidney and Mildred Anderson, brother, Sidney Jr., and two husbands, George Wilson (1977) and Neill Jeffrey (1998). She is survived by her three sons George H. Wilson Jr (Nell), Peter A. Wilson (Lisa) and Bertrand A. Wilson (Me'me'), nine grandchildren Amelie Sanders (Wess), Nancy McKnight (Bill), George Wilson III, Tristan Wilson, Matthew Wilson (Annie), Andrew Wilson (Hannah), Peter Wilson Jr. (Rosalind), Mariann Sengelmann (Robert), and Caroline Wolfe (Michael), and 18 great-grandchildren. The family would like to give special thanks to Dr. Mark Berenson and caregivers, especially Kinyada Carter, Betty Batiste, Lisa Manuel, Alina Ventura, and Viviana Garces, for providing her with a comfortable life over the last years. A memorial service has been planned for Monday, June 9 at St. Charles Avenue Presbyterian Church. Visitation will be held at 1:00 p.m. and service will follow at 2:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary. In lieu of flowers and in the spirit of Betty's life, please send donations to Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary or a charity of your choice.
McBurney, Dr. Donald Barrie 'Don'
Dr. Donald “Don” Barrie McBurney, age 81, died on Tuesday, May 27, 2025. Don was predeceased by his only sister Karen (McBur‐ ney) DeRosier and his par‐ ents John Barrie and Mar‐ jorie May (Freyou) McBur‐ ney. Don was born and raised in Jennings, La., and graduated from University of Southwestern Louisiana (now the University of Louisiana at Lafayette) in 1964 and from Louisiana State University Medical School in 1968. He com‐ pleted his internship at Charity Hospital in New Or‐ leans and subsequently volunteered to serve two years in the U.S. Navy, functioning as a flight sur‐ geon with the rank of lieu‐ tenant. His primary duty was caring for pilots sta‐ tioned stateside during the Vietnam War at South Wey‐ mouth Naval Air Station in During Massachusetts. that time, Don also learned to fly and earned his pri‐ vate pilot’s license. To complete his residency in radiology, he trained and completed rotations at Charity Hospital in New Or‐
The Times-Picayune ✦ nola.com ✦ Saturday, June 7, 2025 ✦ 3B
leans, Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse, New York, and St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children in Philadelphia. He completed his residency and began his practice at Ochsner in Metairie, Clinic Louisiana. In 1977, he tran‐ sitioned to private practice at St. Tammany Parish Hos‐ pital and Highland Park in Covington, Hospital Louisiana. In the late 1980s, he was recruited back to Ochsner to develop new departments radiology across southeast Louisiana —including Baton Rouge, Hammond, and Covington. After a long and successful career, he retired in 2011. He and his wife split their time between their home on the North Shore and a beloved mountain cottage in Highlands, North Car‐ olina until 2021 when they to return to chose Louisiana. Known through‐ out his life as a kind and intelligent man, he loved perfecting his golf swing and strategy and was proud to have been a scratch golfer for much of his life. He and his family enjoyed watching horse racing, baseball, and golf together. He was grateful to have watched the 2025 Kentucky Derby with his wife and two of his three daughters at his side. Don is survived by his wife of nearly 44 years, Dawn Marie (Pumilia) McBurney; his three daughters Leanne (David) Truehart, Susan (Timothy) McNicholl, and Ashley Adams; his three and a grandsons; menagerie of granddogs and grandcats. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Dr. McBurney may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospi‐ tal www.stjude.org. Rela‐ tives and friends are in‐ vited to attend the memor‐ ial services at St. Anselm Catholic Church, 306 St. Mary Street, Madisonville, LA 70447 on Friday, June 13, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. with visi‐ tation at church on Friday beginning at 1:00 p.m. In‐ terment of his cremains will take place in the columbarium at Our Lady of the Mountains Catholic Church in Highlands, North Carolina. E.J. Fielding Fu‐ neral Home has been en‐ with funeral trusted arrangements. The family you to share invites thoughts, fondest memo‐ ries, and condolences on‐ line at E. J. Fielding Funeral Home Guest Book at www. ejfieldingfh.com.
Mindak, William A.
Dr. William A. Mindak, Professor Emeritus of Marketing at Tulane University's A.B. Freeman School of Business, passed away in New Orleans in 2025 at the age of 96. A recognized leader in executive education, Dr. Mindak earned his Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Illinois in 1955. He went on to found Tulane's International Executive MBA Program and played a pivotal role in shaping the university's global business education efforts. Over the course of his academic career, he taught at the University of Illinois, the University of Minnesota, the University of Texas at Austin, and Northwestern University, as well as internationally at Aix-Marseille in France and Tsinghua University in Beijing. He also served in the U.S. Army, where he taught psychological warfare. Dr. Mindak's contributions extended well beyond academia. He consulted with a wide range of nonprofit organizations—from local health centers and arts institutions to national associations such as the American Heart Association and Volunteers of America. He authored numerous academic articles and a widely used guide on nonprofit leadership, *How to Run a Street Smart Nonprofit*. In the second half of his life, Dr. Mindak became a quiet philanthropist. He supported many community organizations in New Orleans, including The Arc of Greater New Orleans, Smile Train, WRBH Radio for the Blind (where he was also an occasional reader), Audubon Park, Shriners Hospital For Children, N.O. Musicians Clinic, New Orleans International Piano Competition and many more. He was also a thoughtful advocate of
therapeutic education, mentoring several practitioners in the Conscious Connected Breathwork Community whose work focused on mind-body healing. Dr. Mindak maintained meaningful relationships throughout his life. He remained close with his former spouse, Monique Borgialli, continuing to mentor her academic and professional work in France over many decades. He was known to many not only as a teacher, but also as a steady presence, an advisor, and a generous friend. Bill was a lifelong lover of classical music and opera, and took great pleasure in attending summer music festivals. He also found joy in teaching and mentoring, and rarely missed a day without completing the New York Times crossword puzzle—a daily ritual he cherished. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Peter Mindak and Suzan Rhode, and two brothers. He was the second of four children. He is survived by his sister, Susan Whelton, and leaves behind a circle of strong friendships, former students, and colleagues around the world who continue to be influenced by his insight, mentorship, and enduring commitment to thoughtful service.
Overstreet Jr., William Lindsay
William Lindsay Over‐ street Jr., 52 years old of New Orleans, Louisiana, passed away on Wednes‐ day, May 21, 2025, in De‐ catur, Georgia. Loving son of Regina Overstreet Gor‐ don and the late William Lindsay Overstreet Sr. De‐ voted husband of Lisa Bolden Overstreet. Proud father of Wilnisha Over‐ street, William Lindsay Overstreet III, and Alexis Dearest Overstreet. brother of Kimberly Over‐ street Young and SanGria Overstreet. Graduate of McDonogh 35 Senior High School. Proudly served in the United States Marine Corps. Family and friends are invited to the Homego‐ ing Celebration celebrating the life of William L. Over‐ street, Jr. at Charbonnet Funeral Home, 1615 St. Philip Street, New Orleans, LA on Monday, June 9, 2025 at 10:00 am. Visitation at 9:00 am. Interment: South‐ east Louisiana Veterans Cemetery, 34888 Grantham College Road, Slidell, LA. Please sign the online guestbook at www.cha rbonnetfuneralhome.com. Charbonnet Labat Glapion, Directors (504) 581-4411.
Rainey, Antonio Joseph 'YoYo'
Antonio (YoYo) Joseph Rainey was born on July 28, 1979 and passed away on Monday, May 19, 2025. Son of Cynthia Davis Rainey and the late Joseph
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