Rita Crochet Henderson Duhon Welborn Dougherty

October 27, 1926 - February 28, 2021

Rita Emma was born to Clarence and Reine Crochet on October 27, 1926. She died peacefully at home on February 28, 2021. Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, March 3, 2021, in the Delhomme Chapel of the Flowers located at 1011 Bertrand Drive in Lafayette. Visitation will be from 9:00 AM until the time of service at 12:00 noon. Rita is survived by her children, Jeannie Henderson Doucet and her husband Danny, Lynn Duhon King, Joy Duhon Stelly, and Lesley Duhon Vines and her husband Teddy. She is also survived by grandchildren Damian Tatum and his wife Jennifer, Justin Tatum, Laura Doucet Westbrook and her husband Leslie, Jacques Doucet and his partner Sarah, Jacob King and his fiancee Kaitlin, Emily King, Jennifer Stelly Grant and her husband Andy, Jeff Stelly, Christopher Stelly, Derek Vines and his wife Alyssa, and Trey Vines and his fiancee Chandler. Great-grandchildren include Paislee Alyse and Luka Matthew Vines, Reece Andrew Grant, and Mary Anthea Tatum. She is also survived by her godchild, Elaine Soileau and beloved family members Cindy Dougherty Woody and Bobby Dougherty. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sisters Eulah Mae and Maddie. She was also preceded in death by her husbands, Johnny Henderson, Glenn Duhon, Bill Welborn, and Carl Dougherty and her daughter, Anne Henderson Tatum. Rita loved learning. After the death of her first husband, she began her college career. She received a Master’s Degree in French and began teaching at Our Lady of Fatima High School. When OLF High School transferred to St. Thomas More, she joined the foreign language department and taught there until her retirement. She continued to take courses in college well into her 80’s. She was an avid reader and loved crossword puzzles and Jeopardy. Health and fitness were always very important to her. She loved visiting with family and friends and also loved to travel. The family would like to thank the staff at Pelican Pointe Healthcare and Rehabilitation and Heart of Hospice, especially Mary, Amber and her caregiver, Sherry Comb. Due to COVID-19, the family requests that all attendees please honor the current mask mandates and social-distancing guidelines. Personal condolences may be sent to the Dougherty Family at www.delhommefuneralhome.com. Delhomme Funeral Home, 1011 Bertrand Drive, Lafayette, LA is in charge of funeral arrangements.