Jolynn "Jo" Landry Ricks

Jolynn “Jo” Landry Ricks, 67, of Lacombe, LA, reunited with her daddy, Dorres, and two brothers “Pat” and Donnie, peacefully passing into the arms of Jesus, on April 6, 2025 after a long battle with dementia, surrounded by family.

She was born in New Orleans on January 16, 1958 to Dorres J Landry, Sr. and Madeline S. Landry, as the oldest daughter of 11 children: DJ Landry, Jr. (Rhonda), Donnie Landry (Cathy), Laurie Smith, Lydia Wilson (Billy), David “Pat” Landry Sr. (Cynde), Tina Thonn (Larry), Raoul Landry (Brigid), Monique Landry, Robbie Landry (Elizabeth), and Danielle Brady (Jacob).

She grew up in the Lake Catherine community, otherwise known as “The Chef”. Jolynn lived a life of service to others wherever and whenever she had the opportunity, including a portion of her childhood, where she worked waiting tables at Marques, the family’s restaurant.

Jolynn married the love of her life, Clayton Ricks, in February 2005, where she built the life of her dreams in Lacombe, LA, enjoying gardening, motorcycle riding, fishing, hunting, and loving on her grandbabies, before retiring from Walgreens, where she worked for 25 years.

Between them, they have four children: Brian Ricks, Rachelle Brady, Rosie Knop (Stephen), and Erica Bostic (Daniel Jr); twelve grandchildren: Matthew, Evan, Brianna, Hannah, Emma, Spencer, Clayton, Daniel III, Averi, Katelyn, Madden, and Chaise; and two great grandchildren: Frankie and Beverly, plus one more on the way – baby Graham.

One of Jolynn’s favorite activities was drinking coffee and sharing her infectious laugh with the people she loved most. She and her best friend Elizabeth “Liz” were practically inseparable throughout their lives, remaining friends since childhood. They vowed to be together through it all, and Liz remained by her side as a sister by love, through that very last cup of coffee.

Jolynn was a mom, wife, sister, aunt, friend, Nanny, and Mawmaw. She will always be remembered for being the photographer at the family event and ice cream scooper at the kids birthday party. Everyone who met her will always remember the way she smiled at strangers, treated those around her, and was never afraid to laugh or tell someone exactly as it was. She always knew what you needed when you needed it, whether it was advice or a Jethro Gibbs – NCIS style slap to the back of the head.

She was a ray of sunlight that will leave behind a legacy of kindness, generosity, compassion, love, and acceptance; as well countless nieces, nephews, and friends, including the friends of her daughters, that called her “Mama Jo”.

During Jolynn’s journey with dementia, she gained new “family” in her care team: Stacy, Allison, Victoria, Loretta, Shelby, and Zach – who guided her into the arms of the amazing folks at The Hospice House. We could not have asked for a better team of people to be there for her in her final days.

A celebration of life will be held for Jolynn on Saturday, May 24, 2025 at 11am at Glory Church - located at 60456 N. Military Rd. in Slidell, LA. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please make a donation, in Jolynn’s name, to Hospice House – Hospice Foundation of the South. Donations can be mailed to: P.O. Box 5806, Slidell, LA 70469. More information can be found at https://thehospicehouse.org.