Barbara Girouard Martin

Mrs. Barbara Girouard Martin, 88, passed away on March 5, 2023 in Lafayette, Louisiana surrounded by family. A longtime resident of Lafayette, Barbara was the beloved wife of James Paul Martin, Sr. She was the daughter of the late Whitney Girouard and Yvelle Theriot Girouard. Barbara was raised on a farm in Gueydan with her 5 brothers and sisters. After graduating from St. Charles Academy High School in Lake Charles LA, she continued her education at the Southwestern Louisiana Institute (University of Louisiana at Lafayette). In 1957 she earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Health and Physical Education. She also received her Master’s of Education in 1972 from the University of Southwestern Louisiana (University of Louisiana at Lafayette). On April 20, 1957, Barbara married the love of her life, James Paul Martin at Our Lady of Wisdom Catholic Church in Lafayette. Shortly after their wedding, she and James were deployed to Wertheim, West Germany. While James served his country in the United States Army, Barbara taught at the United States Army Dependent School and a branch of the University of Maryland. After returning home from their service in Germany, Barbara began her career in Health and Physical Education. Between 1959 to 1965, she taught at Scott High School (Scott, LA), St. Joseph’s Academy (Rayne, LA), Cecilia High School (Cecilia, LA), and Archbishop Chapelle (Metairie, LA). In 1965, Barbara began a long and rewarding teaching and coaching career at Lafayette High School (Lafayette LA). Barbara “Bobbie” Martin was committed to professional service through her long standing participation in numerous education organizations. Her participation included American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD), Southern District of the American Association of Health Physical Education Recreation and Dance (SDAAHPERD), and Louisiana Association of Health Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (LAHPERD) where she held held positions including president and chairman of several of their conventions and initiatives. Within her local community, she devoted a great deal of time to organizations responsible for summer recreation and athletics. Many of these efforts were “firsts” such as hosting the first 5 State High School Golf Tournaments and assisting in the establishment of the Southwest Lafayette Youth Sports Incorporated (SLYSI). Bobbie received certificates of recognition including Lafayette High School’s Teacher of the Year, Lafayette Parish Teacher of the Year - Runner Up, and Secondary School Physical Educator of the Year. She was an educator for over 30 years, a one-of-a-kind friend, and a mentor to her students and peers, creating life long friendships with so many. She was known to many as Bobbie, Coach, and Be-Bop. For those that loved her most, she answered to Mom and Grammy and her greatest and most honored calling was being “Grammy” to her 8 grandchildren. After her retirement in 1990, she and her husband traveled across the country spending as much time as possible with their grandchildren and attending hockey games, soccer games, baseball games, football games, and their academic ceremonies. Always an optimist and a lioness, Barbara was a breast cancer survivor and courageously battled Parkinson’s Disease for over 15 years. In her true spirit and devotion to education she donated her body to the Bureau of Anatomical Service - Louisiana State University School of Medicine. Mrs. Martin was preceded in death by her father Whitney Girouard Sr, her mother Yvelle Theriot Girouard, her brother Whitney Girouard, Jr. and sister Tina Girouard, and her beloved father-in-law and mother-in-law, Sidney and Mabel Martin. She is survived by her husband James Paul Martin, Sr., children Laurie Martin Dupuis and husband Steven Joseph Dupuis of Carencro, Louisiana, Karen Martin Holston and husband Craig Holston of Crowley, Louisiana, Paul Martin and wife Teri Martin of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Ross Martin of Kerrville, Texas. She is also survived by her grandchildren JP Martin, III and wife Kailey, Taylor Martin and wife Jamie, Barbie Dupuis Sebastien and husband Christian, Ross Holston and wife Collette, Reno Dupuis and wife Sophie, Sidney Martin, Alex Holston, and Danielle Dupuis and her fiancé Grant Cox. She is also survived by her 5 great grandchildren Emilie Martin, James Martin IV, Elle Martin, Beau Martin, and Graham Dupuis. Surviving siblings are Gloria Girouard Bonwell, Jackie Girouard and Norman Girouard. A heartfelt appreciation to her bedside angels Rachel Corzine and Kara Monvoisin, and her devoted sitters Doris, Candace, Annette, Isis, Trisha, and Purnella. Also, Agnes’ Loving Care sitters: Tatyana, Chrysondra, and Tracy. Thank you to Dr. Mire and the incredible and compassionate staff at Traditions Health & Hospice. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Personal condolences may be sent to the Martin family at: 5238 Moss Street, Lafayette LA 70507

Barbara Girouard Martin

February 18, 1935 - March 7, 2023