Cecelia Joan Hidalgo Mouton

    Cecelia Joan Hidalgo Mouton, 79, of Port Neches, Texas, passed away Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at Baptist Hospital in Beaumont, Texas. 

     Born in Beaumont, Texas, on July 28, 1944, Cecelia was the daughter of Ellis Hidalgo and Adell (Theriot) Hidalgo. Cecelia's life was marked by her unwavering love for her family, especially her grandchildren who were her pride and joy. She showered them with affection and cherished every moment spent with them. Throughout her life, Cecelia found joy in various interests and hobbies. Alongside her late husband, Joseph "Donald" Mouton, she created lasting memories as members of the Corvette Club. Her passion for sewing and cooking shone brightly, with rice and gravy and gumbo being among her favorite dishes to prepare. One of Cecelia's proudest accomplishments was triumphing over breast cancer. Her strength and resilience were evident as she rang the bell signaling the end of her treatment on March 11, 2020.

     Cecelia was a parishioner of St. Elizabeth Catholic Church. She dedicated herself to serving the community through various roles such as being a member of the Ladies Guild and former Church Council member, serving on the Senior Citizens Board, counting money for the church, and former teacher for CCD. Cecelia Joan Mouton will be remembered for her kindness, devotion to family and faith community, and the love she shared with all those around her.

     In addition to her late husband, Joseph "Donald" Mouton, Cecelia is predeceased by her parents, Adell and Ellis Hidalgo; her first husband, Carlton Brown; brother, Herbert Hidalgo; and brother-in-law, J.O. Grissom.

     Cecelia will be dearly missed by her surviving family members including her daughter, Colleen Huff of Port Neches; sons, Chris Brown and wife Robyn of Port Neches; and Cary Brown of Port Neches. She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren, John Brown, Megan Huff, Brad Brown, Mandy Huff, Kathryn Brown, Neil Brown, and Kami Brown; and sister, Elsie Grissom.

     Serving as pallbearers for Ms. Cecelia Mouton include Megan Huff, Lynn Grissom, John Brown, Brad Brown, Neil Brown, and Rodney Gouthier. Honorary pallbearers include Joseph Withers and Carson Lewis. 

    A gathering of family and friends will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., with a rosary to be recited at 7:30 p.m., Sunday, April 21, 2024, at Melancon Levingston Funeral Home in Nederland, Texas. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 2:00 p.m., Monday, April 22, 2024, at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Port Neches. Rite of Committal will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Beaumont, Texas.