Helen Picou Coats

Helen Picou Coats peacefully passed away on Monday, May 18, 2026, in Hammond, Louisiana, at the age of 90. She was born on Friday, February 21, 1936, in Whitehall, Louisiana, to the late Exavier Peter Picou and Antoinette Louise LeBourgeois Picou. She was a resident of Independence, Louisiana.

Helen was a simple woman who found joy in the little things and lived with a happy and content heart. She greeted everyone with a kiss on the cheek and had a way of making people feel loved and welcome. Helen cared deeply for others and loved the Lord with all her heart. Her gentle spirit touched many lives, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Helen is survived by her children, Pamela Hoyt, Marley Eugene Coats, Jr. (Terri), James Edward Coats, and Bobbie Lena Trapen (Michael); grandchildren, Bridgette Randall, Gregory Randall, Justin Randall, Amy Randall, Brandi Randall, Barbara Coats, Dane Coats, Gina Coats and Desiree Lee Magee; great-grandsons, Darius Randall and John Chevis Viola; as well as numerous other grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and brother and sister-in-law, Arnold and Mollie Picou.

In addition to her parents, Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Marley Eugene Coats, Sr.; son, Richard Benard Coats; grandsons, Jordan Michael Hoyt and Charles Joseph Coats; and siblings, Doralese, Azalie, John, Gladys, and Joe Picou.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home and Crematory of Hammond and Ponchatoula.