Georgia Ann Blanchard Filhiol

Georgia Blanchard Filhiol, 87, of Monroe, passed away July 11, 2022. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Monroe on Saturday, July 23, at 10:00 a.m., with Fr. Kevin Mues officiating. Interment will be at St. Matthew Cemetery immediately following Mass. Visitation will be held at Mulhearn Funeral Home of Monroe on Friday July 22, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Georgia is survived by her six children and their spouses, Mark and Virginia Filhiol, Michael and Nancy Filhiol, Catherine and Joe Golden, Therese Filhiol, Paul and Terry Filhiol, and Charles Filhiol; 12 grandchildren and spouses, Gina Filhiol, Monica Filhiol, John Landry Filhiol, Phoebe and Jacob Valenzuela, Alexander Schulte, Matthew Schulte, Philip and Sasha Filhiol, Tia and Joshua Buck, William and Shelby Filhiol, Aurora and Chuck Youngblood, Gabriel Filhiol, and Zachary and Nola Filhiol; and 8 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, John Hardy Filhiol and grandson, Morgan Filhiol.

Georgia was born on November 5, 1934, at St. Francis Hospital in Monroe, Louisiana to Clyde Claud Blanchard and Christine Moore Blanchard. She grew up in Monroe where her father was the projectionist at the Capitol Theater (which became the Paramount). She graduated from Neville High School, and studied music at Louisiana State University. She earned an Associate Degree from Northeast Louisiana University in 1978. She married John Hardy Filhiol in 1954 and became a military wife when he went into the U. S. Air Force, then returned to Monroe with her growing family in 1959.

Georgia learned to play the piano at an early age and became an accomplished pianist, organist, and vocalist. Beginning at age 8 on the pump organ at her parents’ church, she began a musical career spanning over 75 years, becoming a prominent musician in the community. She worked with the choir at Our Lady of Fatima Church in several capacities over the years, eventually becoming the Music Director. She played and sang for hundreds of weddings, funerals, and other events in her own as well as many other churches in the community.

Georgia was awarded the Diocesan Medal for faithful service and many contributions to the Diocese of Shreveport. She was a member of the Third Order of St. Francis, a worldwide ecclesiastical association of the Laity founded by St. Francis of Assisi. She served as Parish Secretary, helped found the diocesan publication "The Catholic Connection," and was on the Deanery Council and the Finance Committee for many years.

The family is grateful to the many people who rendered care and comfort during Georgia's recent illness. It is impossible to name everyone here.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Our Lady of Fatima Church, St. Vincent de Paul Community Pharmacy, or the charity of the donor’s choice.