2024ObituariesJudy Lou Balliet

Judy Lou Balliet passed away April 16, 2024, in Baton Rouge, LA, from complications following a stroke. She was born September 15, 1942, in New Orleans, LA, to Mildred Craig Balliet and Stephen Clay Balliet. She married Herschel Harvey Volentine March 9, 1963, and later divorced. She was preceded in death by her parents, Stephen and Mildred Balliet, and younger sister, Jerry Lynne Guerin, all of Baton Rouge, LA. She is survived by two children, Millicent Post Volentine of Abilene, TX and Harvey Craig Volentine of Grand Canyon, AZ; one grandchild, Mitchell Volentine of Tennessee; sister, Krispin Kay Balliet Babin of Lewistown, MT; and brother, Stephen Clay Morris Balliet of Baton Rouge, LA.

Judy lived most of her life in Baton Rouge, and enjoyed camping and road trips with her sisters, with whom she always enjoyed close relationships. As well as raising her two children, Judy worked in her father’s business, Steve’s Optical Dispensary, for many years, and was also a Mary Kay Cosmetics consultant. She later graduated from Louisiana State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Art, and then worked in her field as an artist, specializing in pottery and ceramics, selling many of her beautiful creations. In her later years, Judy worked as a children’s librarian at the EBRPL Jones Creek Regional Branch in Baton Rouge until she retired. Judy was raised in the Methodist Church in Baton Rouge.

Judy is fondly remembered by the many people who loved her as a warm accepting person with a great sense of humor and a wonderful laugh. She liked to have fun and everyone enjoyed spending time with her. She was an encouragement and mentor to others. She had an engaging personality and was loving, intelligent, and artistically talented. She was a lover of books, reading, movies, music, sewing, cooking and art, and made many gorgeous quilts for family and friends. Judy will be greatly missed by her good friends and family. Judy’s wishes were to be cremated, and no services are planned at this time.