Theresa Adelaide Picou Devillier, 79, of Winnie passed away Monday, January 11, 2016, at her residence surrounded by her loving family.  She was born April 3, 1936, to Adelaide Carrier and Talton Joseph Picou, Sr. in Labelle, Texas and had been a longtime resident of the Winnie area.

Theresa’s childhood was quite full of love and activity with her fifteen brothers and sisters: swimming in Taylor’s Bayou, working in the fields on their vegetable farm, milking cows and many other joys of country life and a big Catholic family.  Her own amazing mother would teach her to become the strong lady the world would know and to carry the faith she passed on to her own large brood. They live in that faith today and always.

As a young girl, then affectionately known as Dee Dee, she was a dynamo on the basketball court. While petite in stature, she hustled with the Fannett Falcons all the way to the State Tournament.  When off the court she loved cheerleading for all the other Falcon events.  Her energy and sassy spirit was known and loved.

As a young secretary at Texas Gas Pipeline, Theresa caught the eye of Robert James Devillier, who would become the love of her life.  The following several years would be filled with wonderful family outings at the beach, dancing to Big Band swing, samba and doing the jitterbug. Theresa and Robert welcomed seven children into the world in nine years: the four boys and then three girls.  She was also a loving stepmother to Robert’s two young daughters.

Theresa filled her days with many hours in the kitchen, sharing her delicious food with her family and usually the occasional “guest” that happened to stop by at meal times.  She could also be found in her sewing room with some new creation that they were all proud of.

Theresa never lost her love for digging in the earth.  One of her greatest passions in life would be her garden filled with so many things her family enjoyed. 

With children growing up and going in different directions, Theresa really could do it all.  She was involved in every football, basketball, baseball, band, track event while still managing ballet lessons, quick trips to the motorcycle store and much much more.  Her station wagon was always full of kids and heading at full speed.  She encouraged all of her children to always be a part of something and to do their absolute best.  Quitting was never an option.

Theresa was a forty-nine year member of the Beaumont Bowling League, traveling to National Tournaments.  She was a member of the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority and active in the Winnie Women’s Civic Club.  She will be remembered as a woman of devout faith, a longtime member of St. Louis Catholic Church, and active in the Ladies Altar Society.

Survivors include her husband, Robert Devillier, Sr. of Winnie; sons: Jamie Devillier and his wife Cynthia of Winnie; Russell Devillier of Nederland; Bobby Devillier and his wife Leslie of Houston; and Roger Devillier of Beaumont.  Daughters: Carolyn Cormier and her husband Rodney of Winnie; Catherine Good and her husband  Don of Chocowinity, North Carolina; Kim Drew and her husband Larry of Bradenton, Florida; Allison McAnally and her husband Wayne of Jacksonville; and Julie Sanchez and her husband Tony of Houston. Grandchildren include Graham Devillier, John Devillier, Robbie Devillier, Olivia Devillier, Amanda Devillier, Travis Saunders, Natalie Richter, Blayne Nolen, Stace Farrow, Leslie LaVictoire, Perry LaVictoire, Rachel Turnier, Chad Devillier, Sherrie Galbraith, Lynette McAnally, Ashley James and Cinco Sanchez; twenty-six great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

Brothers are Jimmy Picou and his wife Helen; Ray Picou; Tommy Picou and his wife Jan; Tony Picou and his wife Elodee; Gabriel Picou and his wife Elaine; Paul Picou and his wife Donna; Steve Picou and his wife Ann and Victor Picou.  Sisters are Margie Carter, Lee Bertrand, Annie Hubbard and husband Ira, and Alicia Harvey. 

Mrs. Devillier was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Essie Hidalgo; and brothers, Donald and Clarence Picou.

A gathering of Mrs. Devillier’s family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m., with a Rosary recited at 6:00 p.m., Friday, January 15, 2016, at Broussard’s, 134 West Buccaneer Drive, Winnie. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, January 16, 2016, at St. Louis Catholic Church, 315 West Buccaneer Drive, with internment to follow at Fairview Cemetery, Winnie. 

In lieu of flowers donations can be sent to St. Louis Catholic Church or the charity of your choice.