Rebecca Ann McGowan Schexnayder

November 29, 1947 ~ April 2, 2021

Rebecca Ann McGowan Schexnayder, age 73 years and a native of Baton Rouge, passed peacefully at home surrounded by family on April 2, 2021.

She is survived by her loving husband of 45 years, Jerry Schexnayder, Sr. who was her amazing caregiver for the past twenty years; daughters, Melissa Capello (Devin), Amy Sutton (Mike), and Marty Trosclair (Chad); grandchildren Blake Capello (Katie), Briaunna Messina (Chaz), Ashlyn Capello, Jerry Matherne, Jake Trosclair, Brock Sutton, Andrew Trosclair; and great grandchildren Blakely Messina and Caroline Messina; a brother Merlin “Johnny” Forbes; a sister, Sharon Cambre; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Adam McGowan, Elnora Forbes McGowan and Lucille Zachary McGowan; her brothers, George Forbes and Alfred Forbes; a son, Jerry Schexnayder, Jr; and grandson, Jeremy Schexnayder.

Rebecca was previously an active member of First Assembly of God Church wherein she was involved with numerous ministries including serving as the Missionettes sponsor and seamstress for the Drama Department costumes and sets. She was also a member of the VFW Post 3693 Ladies’ Auxiliary wherein she was known for her award-winning “Buddy Poppy” hats and displays.  She was a talented seamstress often making formal dresses from patterns she would design. She loved swinging on her back porch with her sweetheart and a cup of coffee and listening to the birds sing.

She was a fun-loving person who didn’t take herself too seriously and was always willing to laugh at herself.  All who knew her agree that she was gentle and kind and was always willing to sacrifice- putting others’ needs above her own.  She would spend hours praying each day as she said her list of those needing prayer was long.

Despite numerous health problems over the past twenty years that limited her memory and mobility, she fought to the end to regain her independence and strength.  Her courageous battle is over and she can now rest in the arms of her heavenly Father.

Special thanks are extended to Amedysis Home Health and Hospice and Susie Bloodworth for the support and comfort provided in Rebecca’s final days.

Visitation will be held at Seale Funeral Home, Denham Springs, LA, Tuesday, April 6, from 12 p.m. until service at 2 p.m. Burial will follow at Resthaven Garden of Memory, Baton Rouge, LA.

In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

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