Melva Marie "Totsie" Stansbury Viator, a cherished presence in the lives of many, passed away peacefully at her residence in Nederland, Texas, surrounded by her loving family on February 8, 2026, at the age of 90. A longtime resident of Port Acres and the surrounding areas, Totsie's life was characterized by her unwavering devotion to family, her boundless spirit of kindness, and a genuine love for her community.
Born on February 23, 1935, in Port Arthur, Texas, to Wilson Joseph Stansbury and Mary Mae Borel Stansbury. Totsie was a bright and spirited individual, embodying warmth and grace from an early age. She attended St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School and later graduated from Stephen F. Austin High School in 1953, where she not only served as a cheerleader but also delightedly claimed the title of homecoming queen. These accomplishments serve as a testament to her vibrant personality and her ability to connect with those around her.
Throughout her life, Totsie held various roles, but her greatest calling was found in the embrace of her family and those in need. She devoted herself wholeheartedly to raising her children, nurturing her grandchildren, and extending her loving care beyond her immediate family. Her home was always open, welcoming all who sought her comfort and companionship. Totsie's generous spirit and kindness were matched only by her unwavering faith in God, qualities that endeared her to all who knew her.
A woman of deep Christian conviction, Totsie was a devoted parishioner of St. Therese, The Little Flower Catholic Church. Over the years, she lived her faith through service to her church community, embodying unconditional love for her family and friends, along with quiet acts of kindness that contributed to a world that felt a little brighter with her presence.
Totsie's passion for life included cooking and sharing meals with loved ones, as well as dancing joyfully to Cajun music—activities that brought her immense joy and allowed her to express her love for others. She was consistently a positive force, always thankful for the moments life provided and the connections she formed.
She is survived by her beloved children: Deborah DeCuir and her husband, Kirk of Port Arthur; Gregory Viator of Jasper; Tami Rudd of Brookland; Jo and Debbie Viator of Nederland; Johnna Lea of Rose City; and Johnny Viator, Jr. of San Marcus; and several special nieces and nephews. Totsie’s legacy of love continues with her 19 grandchildren, 48 great-grandchildren, and 11 great-great-grandchildren, each of whom carries a piece of her strength, love, and faith within them.
Totsie was preceded in death by her parents, Wilson Joseph Stansbury and Mary Mae Borel Stansbury; her beloved husband, Johnny Viator, Sr.; son, Douglas Viator; daughter, Lesa Viator; grandson, J.D. Stanley; sister, Marjorie Helton; and brother, Wilson J. "Buddy" Stansbury.
A visitation celebrating Totsie’s life will be held on Friday, February 13, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, with the Funeral Service to begin at 2:00 PM, at Melancon Levingston Funeral Home in Nederland. Interment to follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery in Nederland.
Serving as pallbearers include Chad McLeod, Joshua Viator, Greg Viator, Jr., Jonathan Rudd, Tommy Stanley, Layne Mobley, Jordan Tinsley, Jaden Washington, and honorary pallbearers included her great grandsons.
Melva Marie "Totsie" Stansbury Viator will be remembered as a woman of faith, grace, and boundless love. Her life was a blessing, her memory a treasure and she will be deeply missed.
Exodus 23:20 "Behold, I send my angel, who shall go before thee, and keep thee in thy journey, and bring thee into the place that I have prepared."