Elizabeth Ann Carter DeBuse

New Iberia - A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. at First Methodist Church in New Iberia for Mrs. Elizabeth Carter DeBuse, 86, who passed away on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at her residence in New Iberia. Visitation will begin on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at First Methodist Church in New Iberia and continue until the time of service. A private interment will be at Rose Hill Cemetery, at a later date. Elizabeth was born on August 10, 1938, in Iowa, Louisiana. She was a 1956 graduate of New Iberia High School. Elizabeth completed her college degree requirements in three and a half years and was a 1960 graduate from Southwestern Louisiana Institute (SLI), now the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, with a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics. She continued her education working on her master’s at LSU until the time of marriage. In addition to being a wife of 54 years and mother of three, Elizabeth had an interesting and varied career. She always worked to enrich the lives of others through education and shared knowledge. She was a teacher at Larose Cut Off Elementary and Delcambre Elementary schools before joining the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service. Elizabeth served as a home demonstration and 4-H agent in Vermilion Parish from 1961 through 1964 and in St. Landry Parish from 1964 through 1966. She was an instructor teaching nutrition and diet therapy in the Practical Nursing program at Teche Area Vocational-Technical School from 1972 through 1977 in New Iberia. Elizabeth also worked simultaneously alongside her husband in their business, DeBuse Marine Service. For multiple decades, she managed their office for their offshore boat rental business. She taught home economics at Mt. Carmel Academy in the mid-1980’s. Elizabeth opened a ceramic and hobby craft business, Ceramic Treasures, Inc. in 1986. She continued working in the business well into her 70’s. The business legacy she created remains in operation and is currently owned by her daughters. She saw the business transition from a local ceramic store to a national supplier of custom decorated china for the promotional products industry. Elizabeth was a lifelong and active member of First Methodist Church of New Iberia. She enjoyed serving on committees and project teams. She loved her Bible study groups and her Needles and Pins sewing group. She was also a member of Wisteria Chapter of Eastern Star and the New Iberia Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Elizabeth was an avid seamstress her entire life beginning at age 12 and continuing until her death. She enjoyed sharing her sewing talent with others. She loved creating garments and items for her home and for her family; she even created her daughter’s wedding gown. Her love for sewing and creating pieces extended beyond her family and her home. Her passion for sewing led her to create hundreds of pillowcases for children in the care of the Louisiana Methodist Children’s Homes and even to make head wraps for the women of Haiti. She loved cooking and baking. Other interests shared with family and friends included camping, reading, and gardening. Most of all she loved creating a warm and welcoming home for her family and friends. She was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, and mother and celebrated having grandchildren finally at the age of 80. Elizabeth was a friend to many and always welcomed the opportunity to give a word of encouragement and hope. She leaves a legacy of respect, service, and love and will be missed by all who loved her. Elizabeth is survived by her children Marilynn Jane DeBuse White (Eric White, DVM), Maree Elizabeth DeBuse, and Steven Carter DeBuse (Rachel Melancon DeBuse); her grandchildren Emma Claire DeBuse, Owen Steven DeBuse, and Levi Steven DeBuse. She was preceded in death by her husband Jimmy Steven DeBuse, her parents James Edward Carter and Jane Faust Carter, and siblings, an infant brother James Carter, Jr., and her sister Marilynn Carter. Her family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Robert Hankenhof III and his staff for the care provided to their mother. Also, our heartfelt thanks go to Dr. Douglas Sagrera and his staff. Our unending gratitude extends to Monique Hankenhof, her caregiver, for all the love, compassion, and care extended to Elizabeth following covid in 2021 and continuing to her death. Elizabeth grew to love and value Monique as she loved her own children. Monique was the ray of sunshine to Elizabeth for many years as she had also cared for Mr. Jimmy prior to his passing. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in her honor to First Methodist Church in New Iberia or to The Methodist Children’s Home. Elizabeth’s online obituary and guestbook may be viewed at www.CypressFunerals.com. Cypress Funeral Home & Crematory, 206 West Lafayette St., Maurice, LA. 70555, 337-740-3123, is overseeing the arrangements. First Methodist Church is located at 119 Jefferson Street, New Iberia, LA 70560.

Elizabeth Ann Carter DeBuse

August 10, 1938 - July 29, 2025