Lorita (Thibeaux) Arceneaux, 80, of Raywood, Texas, passed away in the early afternoon of Thursday, April 16, 2026, at her residence. Lorita was born on Dec. 23, 1945, in New Iberia, La., to Whitney and Franzella Thibeaux. She was raised in Beaumont, Texas, and has lived and raised her family in Raywood, Texas, for the past 63 years.
Lorita was a devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother and proud homemaker. She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Raywood, Texas, where she was the first female Eucharistic Minister. Some of Lorita’s favorite things were antiquing and gardening. She loved planting flowers, fruit trees and working in her yard, or as she called it, “playing in the dirt.”
Lorita enjoyed making delicious dishes including homemade cakes and pies. Her famous German chocolate and carrot cakes were family favorites. She absolutely loved spending time with her loved ones and traveling. She always spoke lovingly of her late husband, “J-Boy,” anchoring his legacy in the family through the heartfelt and rich history that she shared.
Lorita always stayed in continuous communication with her children, grandchildren, family and loved ones. Not one birthday could pass by without her calling that special family member first thing in the morning after grabbing her cup of coffee and making sure she sang a Happy Birthday song to you and wished you the absolute best birthday with blessings and love. Lorita was a strong (sometimes stubborn) country woman, as she proudly stated, which showed her strength and endurance.
She also made sure her family was blessed at all times, ensuring she “prayed over each and every one’s heads” daily. Prayer was a large part of her life including daily rosary and prayer book reading. Lorita had a beautiful spirit and embraced her religion and culture. She was a kind and generous woman that ensured that everyone around her was comfortable. Lorita was loved, cherished, and embraced by her family, community, and loved ones.
Lorita (Thibeaux) Arceneaux was preceded in death by her parents, Whitney and Franzella Thibeaux; her late husband of 27 years, Norris J. Arceneaux Jr. (J-Boy); Daughter, Anita Arceneaux; and Siblings, Whickles Thibeaux, Wilson Thibeaux, Mary Ann Simon, and Wilbert Thibeaux. Lorita is survived by her children: Angela Pradia, Norris J. Arceneaux III (Cheryl), Melissa Bush (Ricky), and Michael Arceneaux (LaToya); Siblings: William Thibeaux (Rita), Marie Zeno (Frederick); Grandchildren: Joseph Pradia, William Pradia (Bashira), Bryant Bush (Kubra), Amber Bush, Rosalyn Bush, Cara Bush, Michael Arceneaux Jr., and Daisia Arceneaux; Great-Grandchildren: Ansa Victoria Pradia, Jasmine Elise Pradia and Laura Bush; sisters by marriage Geneva Allen, Marie Arceneaux, Rena Arceneaux, Mildred White, Tessie Gagne and Judy Beaudoin and numerous nieces, nephews, other family and friends.
The family will receive loved ones and friends beginning at 8 a.m. on Friday, April 24, 2026. The viewing, rosary and mass services of Catholic Burial will take place at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church located at 3730 FM 160 N. Raywood, Texas, 77582, with an interment and repass to follow at Sacred Heart Church.