Felecia Monette Rachal, a beacon of grace, faith, and vibrant energy, passed away surrounded by her loving family on December 19, 2024. Born on September 16, 1964, to Felix Monette Jr. and Cecile Monette (née Rachal), Felecia’s life was a masterpiece of love, strength, and inspiration that will forever be cherished by those who knew her.
From her earliest days, Felecia embraced life with a vivacious spirit and a feisty personality that endeared her to everyone she met. She grew up immersed in the love and guidance of her close-knit family, alongside her four beloved sisters—Judy, Cathy Lynn, Jennifer, and Rhonda. Raised in the faith of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Cloutierville, she developed a deep and abiding connection to her Catholic roots that became a cornerstone of her life.
Gifted with a beautiful singing voice, Felecia often shared her talents at high school events, captivating audiences with her presence. While her voice was a treasure, her true passion lay in business, particularly finance and accounting, where she channeled her intelligence, creativity, and determination into a distinguished career.
In Merl Joseph Rachal, Felecia found her soulmate and partner in life. The two were married on August 10, 1985, embarking on a journey of love and mutual support that spanned nearly four decades. After earning her Bachelor of Science degree from Northwestern State University, Felecia began her career in the business world. Together, she and Merl built a legacy of excellence at Winnfield Funeral Home, where her role as Chief Financial Officer of Winnfield Holding Corporation left an indelible mark of integrity and dedication.
Felecia’s professional brilliance was only matched by her boundless love for her family. She was a devoted mother to her three daughters, Candice, Amber, and Erin, pouring her heart into nurturing them with the same love, strength, and faith that defined her life. She cherished her two granddaughters, Macie and Laramie Socia, who brought immeasurable joy to her days and carried on her legacy of beauty and strength.
Known for her impeccable style and radiant presence, Felecia was always seen dressed to perfection, with her hair coiffed, nails flawless, and her signature high heels completing her look. Her elegance and beauty were matched only by her warm, kind spirit and infectious laughter, making her a beloved presence in every room she entered. Christmas was a particularly special time for Felecia, who loved the joy, traditions, and decorations of the season. She had a fondness for Hallmark holiday movies, which captured her love of family, celebration, and simple pleasures.
A faithful member of St. Rita Catholic Church in Alexandria, Felecia lived her life as a testament to her unwavering devotion to God. She shared her love for the Lord with everyone she met, offering encouragement, wisdom, and a guiding light to those who needed it most.
Felecia was preceded in death by her beloved father, Felix Monette Jr., and her cherished mother-in-law, Mary Rachal.
She is survived by her devoted husband, Merl Joseph Rachal of Alexandria; her daughters, Candice Rachal Brown (Terry), Amber Rachal Socia (Jonathan), and Erin Elizabeth Rachal; her granddaughters, Macie Socia and Laramie Socia; her mother, Cecile Monette; her sisters, Judy Rachal, Jennifer Wallace (Haywood), Cathy Monette Gustafson (Daniel), and Rhonda Kay Guillory (Walter); her nieces and nephews, Christie Rachal, Jason Rachal, Ashley Wallace-Tucker, Victor Kay, Courtney Rachal, and Chelsey Wallace; her great-nieces and nephews; and a host of extended family and friends who will forever treasure her memory.
Felecia’s vibrant spirit, timeless elegance, and unwavering faith will remain in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her. She lived a life filled with love, laughter, and grace, leaving behind a legacy of beauty and inspiration that will endure for generations. Until we meet again, may her memory be a source of light and joy to all who loved her.
A celebration of Felecia’s extraordinary life will take place at St. Rita Catholic Church, 4401 Bayou Rapides Rd, Alexandria, LA, on Monday, December 23, 2024. Visitation with the family will begin at 9:00 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church Cemetery, 423 Highway 495, Cloutierville, LA, with a repast to be held in the church hall.