Maureen Evelyn Morrow Malone

Maureen Evelyn Morrow Malone, a beloved mother and grandmother, cherished friend and dedicated educator, passed away peacefully Dec. 31, 2025, at her daughter’s home in Baton Rouge. She was the devoted wife of the late Col. Doyle Ragan Malone.

Maureen’s life was marked by her unwavering commitment to education and her love for children, friends and family. She exuded joy through her unforgettable smile, cheerful greetings, constant stream of song and even the pep in her high-heel clicks down the school hallway.

Born in Marksville on Nov. 23, 1942, Maureen was raised in the traditions of Catholicism and Cajun French culture. Maureen attended Presentation Academy, graduated from Alexandria’s Bolton High, and earned her bachelor’s degree from Northwestern State University. She completed postgraduate work at the University of Hawaii and LSU.

A passionate educator, Maureen devoted 38 years to shaping young minds, first in Dallas then Baton Rouge. She found her home at Jefferson Terrace Elementary among talented and caring teachers, administrators and staff. She radiated positivity and was known for her exceptional ability to teach effectively, mentor teachers, motivate students to want to do their best in school and life, and make every student feel important. She was honored as East Baton Rouge Parish Elementary Teacher of the Year in 1999 and as a state Teacher of the Year finalist.

Among her nearly 1,000 students, whom she cherished, were countless sibling sets, generations from the same families and even students who later married one another. She kept their mementos and remembered their faces, names and stories until the end.

Thanks to a dear Jefferson Terrace friend, Maureen met Doyle, whom she married Sept. 2, 1972, at First Baptist Church. They shared a grand life with respect, laughter, adventure, service and deep love for 48 years. In celebrating an anniversary, Maureen described their “Never-Ending Road to Happiness,” shaped by the births and successes of their children and grandchildren, military travels, business growth, and the significance of their neighborhood life.

Maureen was an active member of the Kenilworth community, serving on the civic association board, including as president. She helped organize the annual 4th of July Parade and embraced neighborhood traditions. Her gardening passion and festive spirit earned her Resident of the Year, Christmas Luminaries honors and Yard of the Month.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jeannette Gremillion Morrow and Russell Alphonse Morrow, and her husband, Doyle. She is survived by her daughters, Brandi Malone and Nancy (Brian) Gautreau, of Baton Rouge; son, Brett (Britney) Malone, of Concord, N.C.; stepson, Barry Todd Malone, of Texarkana, Ark.; brother, Gary (Priscilla) Morrow, of Pineville; and treasured grandchildren Rome, Marigny, Everett and June Gautreau and Harvey Malone.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Maureen’s remarkable life Jan. 12 at First Baptist Church, 529 Convention St., Baton Rouge. Visitation begins at 10:30 a.m., with services at noon. Burial will follow at Louisiana National Cemetery, 303 W. Mount Pleasant Road, Zachary.

Maureen was teaching to the very end — to smile, choose joy, share love and pass a good time. As she shared with students in a yearbook poem, “My wish to all of you, my friends, is happiness as you move on. Love, Mrs. Malone.”