Janice Patricia Armand Gauthier

Janice Patricia Armand Gauthier, age 86, passed away peacefully on January 1, 2026, at 8:08 p.m. in Austin, Texas, with her son Jonathan by her side.

Janice was born on April 19, 1939, to Rhea Jeansonne Armand and Lance “Hoss” Armand. She was raised in a close-knit community where faith, family, and service shaped her life from an early age. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Rodney Joseph Armand; and her beloved husband, Frank Caillouet Gauthier.

A proud graduate of St. Joseph High School’s Class of 1957, Janice was an exceptional student and leader. She served as class president throughout her high school tenure, excelled as the point guard on the basketball team, and graduated as salutatorian. Her academic achievements earned her scholarships to several colleges.

In 1957, Janice began a groundbreaking career in public service when she became the second female deputy for the Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s Department under Sheriff F. O. Didier. Her dedication to the community continued for decades.

In April of 1961, Janice married Frank Caillouet Gauthier. Together they shared 49 years of marriage until Frank’s passing in 2010. Their union was rooted in deep faith and true partnership, both in family life and in business. Alongside Frank, Janice co-owned and operated Couvillion Lumber in Cottonport, Louisiana, where they worked in the retail lumber and hardware business for 28 years until 1995. They cherished their fellow Cottonport merchants, whom they considered not just friends but family, and together organized many memorable Mardi Gras parades for the community.

After Janice and Frank ended their retail lumber and hardware business in 1995, Janice then served under Sheriff Bill Belt and worked faithfully under several administrations until her retirement in 2020. Throughout her career, Janice held various roles within the fines, tax, and parish court departments and was widely respected for her professionalism, compassion, and commitment. She took great pride in her work, helped countless individuals, and formed many lifelong friendships through her service. She loved the people of Avoyelles parish and was honored to serve.

A devout Catholic, Janice was a lifelong member of St. Mary’s Assumption Church and an active participant in the Catholic Daughters of America. Her faith guided every aspect of her life. She also touched the lives of many young people by teaching catechism at St. Mary’s Church for many years.

Janice is survived by her sons, Jonathan Gauthier of Austin, Texas, and Shane Gauthier and his wife, Tara Gauthier; her grandson, Lucas Gauthier; and her step-granddaughters, Riley Foreman, McKenzie Bienvenu, and Ainsley Mayeaux.

Her son will be hosting a celebration for Janice to be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at St. Mary’s Assumption Church. Visitation will take place at the church from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., followed by a rosary led by the Catholic Daughters from 10:30 to 11:00 a.m. The memorial service will follow from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. followed by a reception at the Cottonport “CYO”.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to St. Mary’s Assumption Church or St. Joseph School in honor of Janice’s memory.

Janice lived a life defined by faith, service, and love. Throughout her life, she belonged to many families—her St. Joseph family, St. Mary’s family, Cottonport Museum family, Catholic Daughters, and the Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s Department family, among others. She touched countless lives through her kindness, dedication, and unwavering devotion to her family and community, and she will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to know her.