MAXIE JAMES LABRIE
Maxie James LaBrie was born on July 29, 1923 in Mermentau-Cove, Louisiana. He slipped peacefully away to be with the Lord on Tuesday, July 31, 2007, at his home in Beaumont, Texas, having just celebrated his 84th birthday.
He served in the Merchant Marines during World War II from 1941 to 1945.
He was a member of the Asbestos Workers Local Union 22 working at the various local refineries. He retired in 1983. He was able to enjoy almost twenty-five years of retirement and received his fifty-five year pin with the Union.
He was a devoted man of faith and attended The First Pentecostal Church in Nederland, Texas from 1966 to 1978 and was a very dear friend to his pastor, Rev. Chester Hensley.
He and his family moved to Beaumont in 1978 and became members of The Apostolic Church, where he faithfully attended until the time of his death. He was a hard worker and man of outstanding faith and prayer known for his loyalty and love for the ministry. He and his wife were often seen in the hospitals visiting and praying for the sick. They also hosted many pastors, evangelists and missionaries in their home.
He was devoted to his wife of thirty-one years, Jackie Carr LaBrie. They were always together and enjoyed many trips including attending church camps in both Texas and Louisiana every year as well as vacations with their church friends and even visiting the missions field.
He was preceded in death by one brother and is survived by one sister and two brothers.
He has left behind a legacy which includes his children, Tommy LaBrie, Jimmy LaBrie, Cheryl Lemaire, Cindy LeJune and Rev. Michael G. LaBrie. His step-children were loved and treated as his own and included Gary Armagh, Henry LaBrie, Cathy LaBrie Brister, Mike Brister, Don Brister and Rea Bass.
He was blessed with twenty-six grandchildren and twenty-nine great grandchildren that he adored.
He will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him. He was known for his hard work, gardening and, of course, cooking. Hundreds of Southeast Texans have enjoyed LaBrie gumbo which was served at many dinners and fundraisers at The Apostolic Church. He was a vital part of every aspect of his church and will leave a void that will never be filled.
His favorite song was “This World is Not My Home” and indeed, he has passed through and left an impact upon the lives of many, many individuals.
