Dr. Marie Cleo Stafford LaCour Phd

March 25, 1939 - October 28, 2020

Dr. Marie Cleo Stafford LaCour, PhD., math teacher extraordinaire, loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and fabulous aunt, passed away at her home on Lake Livingston in Texas on Wednesday, October 28th at the age of 81. Marie was born in 1939 to Jake Byron Stafford, principal of Lecompte High School and Cleo David Stafford, a high school English teacher. Marie loved growing up in Lecompte and living across the street from her school. She was the best big sister to Sally and Barbara. She always had an analytical mindset, which was encouraged by all of her teachers, especially Mr. Heitman, her high school math teacher. She attended college at Northwestern State University and majored in secondary math education. She was also a member of Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority. After college graduation, Marie moved to Lafayette, Louisiana to begin her teaching career. There, at Lafayette High School, she met and fell in love with the Choir Teacher, Robert C. LaCour. While they met in the Teacher’s Lounge of Lafayette, High School, it turns out both were from Rapides Parish! Marie and Bobby married in 1961. She continued to teach all levels of math at Lafayette High School while raising their family, Marie (“Ree-C”) born in 1962 and Robert, Jr. in 1970. While she was teaching full time in Lafayette, Marie earned her Master of Education in 1968 at USL. Later, Bobby and Marie moved to Dallas where Marie taught at Lake Highlands High School. Marie eventually returned to Rapides Parish and taught Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II at Alexandria Senior High. Marie later earned her Education Specialist in 1983. Afterwards, she took a year-long sabbatical during 1984 (her only real “break” from classroom teaching) to earn her Doctor of Philosophy from LSU-BR, which was awarded in 1987. She returned to ASH as the school’s Assistant Principal of Curriculum. She ensured that all of ASH’s 1000+ students were scheduled for the correct classes and that all of the teachers turned in and followed their lesson plans. She had an amazing support staff, but Dr. LaCour was such a professional that she made a very tough job look easy. She also willingly served as a mentor to aspiring administrators for the Rapides Parish School System. She retired from teaching in 1997 after more than 33 years of service. Marie spent her retirement years enjoying the peace and quiet of lake life. She loved being able to spend time with her family. Marie leaves behind her daughter, Ree-C Murphey and her husband Danny, her son, Rob and wife Stephanie, 5 grandchildren and 1 great-granddaughter: Libby Murphey of Austin, TX, Madi Murphey of Cypress, TX, Private Jack Murphey of Ft. Irwin, CA, Emma LaCour at Texas State University, Claire LaCour and Stella Murphey. All were fortunate to be able to spend time at the Lakehouse being spoiled by their Grandma, listening to all of her amazing stories, and solving puzzles with her. Marie’s nieces, Christine Morris of Arlington, Tx; Catherine Credeur of Dallas, and Sarah Foster, of Hemphill, TX, were also fortunate to receive so much love and encouragement from their Aunt Marie. Marie’s sisters, Sally Stafford Credeur (Alexandria, LA) and Barbara Stafford (Point Blake, TX) will deeply miss their older sister’s guidance, strength and love. Marie’s husband, Bobby, has been suffering from Alzheimer’s for several years...Marie did her best to love and take care of him for as long as she physically could. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Cabrini on Monday, November 2 at 1:30 p.m. Interment will follow in Greenwood Memorial Park under the direction of John Kramer & Son Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to LHS Corporation (Group that runs Lecompte School Museum, 2204 St. Charles Ave, Lecompte, LA 71346); or to St. Mary’s Training School or the charity of your choice. Marie’s departure from this world was sudden and unexpected. It will be difficult for those left behind. We will cherish our memories of her and her accomplishments. They will be a tremendous example for her family, friends and those she taught over the years. To extend online notes of condolence to the family, please visit www.KramerFunerals.net.