Jewel LeBlanc was born on October 25, 1936, in Scanlon, Florida. She met her husband Dudley LeBlanc when she moved to Port Arthur, Texas, and they married on January 29, 1954. She owned and ran a beauty shop (Jewel's Beauty Shop) for many years in Groves, Texas before she and Dudley retired and moved to Orangefield, Texas. She was an incredible gardener, with a beautiful yard, in which she took much pride. She spent her days antiquing, spending time with family, and (lovingly) cleaning up sawdust that Dudley Sr. brought inside the house. Her home was always welcoming — simultaneously spotless and cozy — and there was always coffee, regardless of the time of day or night someone might be visiting. She was known to most as "Jewel," but her granddaughter affectionally called her "Mamaw." Jewel was also a long-time member of St. Helen's Catholic Church.
Jewel passed away peacefully at home in Orangefield, Texas on April 11, 2026, at the age of 89. She will be greatly missed.
Jewel was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Drayden and Jenevieve Padgett; her devoted husband, Dudley "D.J." James LeBlanc, Sr., and several siblings.
She is survived by her loving children, Dudley LeBlanc, Jr., and his wife, Kayla, and Beverly LeBlanc; her grandchild Danielle LeBlanc McNamara and her husband, Jonathan. She also leaves behind her dear siblings, Janice Trahan, Cathy Finch, and Jack Padgett, as well as numerous other loving family members and friends who will miss her dearly.
Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesday., April 15, 2026, at Claybar Funeral Home in Bridge City.
Funeral services will be 10 a.m., Thursday., April 16, 2026, at Claybar Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Memorial Gardens in Nederland, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.