Geraldine Nowlin LeBlanc

Geraldine Nowlin LeBlanc, a cherished member of the Port Arthur community and former administrator at Lamar University, peacefully passed away on Sunday, April 5, 2026, at The Harbor Assisted Living in Pearland, Texas. She was 93 years old.

Born on August 3, 1932, in Port Arthur, Texas, Geraldine lived a life marked by achievement, curiosity, and dedicated service to others. A 1950 graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School, she was a proud TJ Husser and fondly remembered for marching in parades with the Drum Corps. Her love of learning took her well beyond Southeast Texas; she spent a semester studying in England and completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in Mexico City, where she also became fluent in Spanish. These experiences were among her proudest accomplishments and reflected her adventurous spirit and lifelong commitment to education.

Geraldine was known for her vibrant personality—hilarious, feisty, and delightfully candid. She spoke her mind with heartfelt sincerity and was a true social butterfly. She loved cooking, hosting lively gatherings, and organizing her high school reunions, always finding joy in bringing people together. Her zest for life was evident in her enjoyment of riding on Mardi Gras floats during Port Arthur parades and in her enduring love of the beach.

Alongside her husband, William James “Bill” LeBlanc, Geraldine was deeply devoted to her faith community. They were active parishioners of St. Charles Catholic Church in Nederland, where they participated in the ACTS program and served as extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion. Their service reflected a shared commitment to faith, volunteerism, and care for others.

Geraldine’s legacy of love lives on through her step-son, William Jude LeBlanc, and his wife, Natasha Myshkin LeBlanc; her nieces, Jan Osterhoudt Higginbotham and Karen Osterhoudt Hise and her husband, Donald Hise; her cousins, Rebecca Benner, Beth Doster and her husband, Dan Doster, and Bonnie Burden and her husband, Joey Burden; as well as six great-nieces and nephews and fourteen cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Sallie Maddeline (Nugent) Nowlin and James Bascomb Nowlin; her beloved husband, William James “Bill” LeBlanc; her sister, Jacqueline Nowlin Osterhoudt; and her nephew, Glen “Tab” Osterhoudt II.

A visitation honoring Geraldine’s life will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 2:00 p.m., at Melancon Levingston Funeral Home in Groves, located at 5601 39th Street. Interment will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park, 3900 Twin City Highway, Groves, Texas.

Geraldine Nowlin LeBlanc will be remembered as a spirited, loving, and devoted woman whose laughter, warmth, and generosity touched many lives. Her memory will continue to inspire all who knew her to live fully, connect deeply, and lead with kindness.