Jane Elizabeth “Libby” Follette, age 75, passed away peacefully July 23rd, 2023 after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease. She is proceeded in death by her parents, Silas Adam and Matilda Jane Stephenson, as well as her two brothers, Sonny Stephenson and John Chris Stephenson. Libby was born December 13, 1947 in Ruston, Louisiana. She graduated from Ruston High School in 1965. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Louisiana Tech University, in 1971. After graduating, Libby worked as an artist and designer in her early life living in New Orleans; Wichita, Kansas; and Chicago. She moved back to Ruston in the early 80s to join the family business, Stephenson’s Lumber. From 1989 through 1994, Libby operated Southern Interiors until she joined her husband Kent at Follette Pottery. Anyone who knew Libby knew she was the better half of a dynamic duo made up of her and Kent Follette, her husband of 54 years. Kent and Libby met at Louisiana Tech and quickly married in 1969. From the first day they met, the two were inseparable companions, partners in crime, and undeniably, actively, in love with each other. Libby was a loving mother to her two children, her daughter Laura Follette Bourgeois, and son Andy Follette, mother-in-law to Robby Bourgeois, and to her great joy, the grandmother to Turner Bourgeois. The family is holding a small, private memorial in Prairieville. In lieu of flowers, Libby ask that friends make a donation to the Michael J. Fox Parkinson foundation to help raise awareness and find a cure to the disease that she fought with grace and tenacity to the very end.
I was so saddened to hear about Libby’s passing. My sympathy goes out to her entire family and friends. It is so hard to lose a wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend. As a longtime classmate and friend through Jr. High, Ruston High, and Tech I can say that her kindness, softness, and caring nature will certainly be missed. Although I live far away, I tried to see her when I came home to Ruston at the pottery shop. She would always give me time to catch up on the news while still working her job. I just don’t have words to ease the pain for you or for me, but I do have the good memories of knowing Libby. I pray that GOD gives you strength and courage to endure this very sad time while rejoicing in your relationship with her. She was a fighter and hope a cure will be found in what she had to deal with. My heart goes out to you all. Love and Deepest Sympathies, Marilyn
Kent I am so sorry to hear of the death of Libby. She was a treasured wife and partner to you and will missed by so many. May she finally rest in peace after her long ordeal with Parkinsons.
Much love,
Laura