LeNell Bess Couteau

Obituary

LeNell Bess Couteau, age 91, of Corpus Christi, Texas passed away April 28, 2022. Born to Thomas Spears and Bessie Cannon Spears at Poland La. She taught E.M.H. for special honors at Moody and Miller high schools for 24 years. She served as the founding chairperson for AFT local 3456 winning a constitutional rights case advocating for CCISD teachers representation and contracts.
LeNell, married 75 years, was preceded in death by: her husband, Major Don Couteau, Congressional gold medal, French Legion of Honor recipient, Eighth Air Force brother, Richard Spears, son, Clark Couteau.
She is survived by: two daughters, Donna (Joe) Cross and foster daughter Audrey Tunches, two sons, Mark (Mary), Christopher Couteau, five grand-children; Aimee (Travis) Linares, Amanda (Dan) Miles Steven (Bernadette), Anne , Sarah Couteau, two great-grandchildren; Lila , Sadie Miles, Niece, Pat, Nephew, Michael ,Great-Niece Regina Spears.
Visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 11, 2022 at Corpus Christi Funeral Home, followed by a Graveside service at 1:00 p.m. at Coastal Bend Veterans Cemetery.