Janell A. Rideaux's Obituary
Janell Ann Rideaux, affectionately known as "FatToe" to those who knew her first, Fred to her loving husband of almost 52 years, Jenny to her sisters-in-law and "Jane" to her children on her sassier days, passed away peacefully, on May 15, 2026, at the age of 76. Born on March 26, 1950, in Opelousas, Louisiana, to Aristile and Josephine Fuselier. Janell grew up on a farm surrounded by siblings, laughter, and the rich culture of southwest Louisiana — roots she carried with her for the rest of her life, no matter where in the world she roamed.
And roam she did. Her husband Gerald's career took their family across the globe, to six of the seven continents. Janell embraced every adventure with grace, elegance, and her signature red lipstick. She was quick to tell you, though, that her hardest move was leaving Louisiana for Texas when she got married.
Janell was a dedicated elementary school teacher who poured her patience and heart into her students for 30+ years. She was a devout Catholic who treasured her beautiful collection of crosses, gifted to her by friends and family from every corner of the world. She was also, by her own proud declaration, the tallest person in her family.
At home, she was known lovingly as the "cleanup woman." If you set your glass down before you were finished, you'd best move quickly — it would be washed and put away before you could blink. Her home was her sanctuary, and she kept it with the same love and care she gave to everyone in it.
Janell lit up at the sound of zydeco music, and there was no better place to find her than dancing in her kitchen or in later years, cheering on her Houston Astros. She adored her daily walks, cherished time with family, and saved her most tender joy for her granddaughters, Addison Grace and Aria Hope.
She battled Parkinson's disease with a bravery and dignity that humbled everyone around her.
To know Janell was to love her. To be loved by her was a blessing.
She is survived by her beloved husband, Gerald; her son, Ahmad; her daughter, Ashley; her daughter-in-law, Allison; her cherished granddaughters, Aria and Addison; her sisters, Jeannette, Nellie, Regina, Earline, and Debra; her sisters-in-law, Rita, Sandy, and Tina; her brothers-in-law, Mike, Herd, Al, and Sammy; and a legacy of beautiful nieces and nephews who adored her. She was preceded in death by her sister Merline, her brother Herbert, her stepdaughter Tayneshia, and her brothers-in-law Mayon and Paul.
Janell, Fred, our cleanup woman, our FatToe, our Jane — love you more.
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