Celebrating her 100th Birthday, Josephine (Bayonne) Coutee, known as Aunt Byrd, blew out her candles amongst her family and friends Nov. 25. Vidal and Marie’ (Rachal) Bayonne gave birth to Aunt Byrd down Cane River in 1917. In addition to living on the River she also lived in many other places including Chicago for 20 plus years. However, she returned to her home town in Natchitoches Parish to share her love and wisdom to all those that surround her.

Aunt Byrd is the oldest Bayonne alive. She and her younger sister Ella D Byone, live in Natchitoches, surviving their other six siblings and spouses. These two sisters often can be seen together sharing laughs, coffee, and good times as they have always done. Neither of these two ladies show their true age, with little to no grey hair on their heads.

Aunt Byrd shared her secrets to living until 100 with family and friends at her party. “The secret is I never smoked or drank whiskey,” she said. She even teased them by saying another secret was to never have children, as she pointed to the little ones running around. Aunt Byrd can still speak fluently in French and with a heavy accent she continues to tell her family stories of how she grew up and how the world has changed over the years.

The party ended with family and friends attending Church services at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Cloutierville.

With all of their hearts, Aunt Byrd’s family wishes her a very special Happy Birthday, and here’s to a 100 more. Love Family and Friends.