Sue Soileau Brignac Durand

Washington, LA - A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00 PM, Tuesday, August 11, 2026 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church honoring the life of Sue Soileau Brignac Durand, 73, who passed away on August 3, 2026 at her residence in Lafayette.

Visitors are welcome to gather for a time of remembrance and reflection at Wolff Reception Hall, 202 Main St, Washington, LA 70589, on Monday, August 10, 2026 from 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM and continuing on Tuesday, August 11, 2026 from 9:00 AM until 12:15 PM.

A Rosary will be prayed at 6:30 PM on Monday evening.

Rev. Corey Campeaux will officiate at the Funeral Mass. Msgr. Keith Derouen and Rev. Henry Anthony will concelebrate. Readers will be Steven G. "Buzz" Durio and C. David Brignac.

Burial will follow at Cedar Hill Cemetery, 405 North Washington St. Washington, Louisiana 70589.

Sue Soileau Brignac Durand, a beloved figure in the banking community and a cherished member of her family, who departed this life on August 3, 2026. Born on July 16, 1953, in Washington, Louisiana, to Nolen and Virgie Mae Guilbeau Soileau, Sue led a life characterized by ambition, grace, and a dedication to serving others.

Sue, a farmer's daughter, developed a strong work ethic from an early age, raising Hereford bulls in the agricultural heart of Louisiana. Her intelligence and remarkable talents emerged early, as she accelerated through her education, completing her studies at Washington Elementary before entering The Academy of Sacred Heart in Grand Coteau at the tender age of 12. She later pursued a Liberal Arts Degree with a major in Music and Voice at USL, where she graduated at just 20 years old. The Steinway Grand Piano gifted to her by her mother remained a cherished centerpiece in her home, a testament to her love for music and the arts.

In a life that weaved together compassion and professional achievement, Sue first dedicated herself to the funeral industry alongside her late husband, Creig Brignac, before transitioning to education as a high school music teacher. Her journey into banking began with the inheritance of her father's stock in Washington State Bank. Following the death of her husband, Creig, in 2009, Sue became the bank's Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer, a role she embraced with unwavering dedication until her retirement on December 31, 2019. She continued to influence the bank's legacy as Chairman Emerita of both Washington State Bank and Washington State Bancshares, Inc.

Throughout her distinguished career, Sue exemplified leadership and service, contributing significantly to various banking trade associations and community organizations. Her commitment was evident through her involvement with the American Bankers Association Community Bank Council, the Louisiana Bankers Association, the Committee of 100 for Economic Development, Inc., and numerous local chambers and commissions. Sue's legacy of excellence is underscored by numerous accolades, including the Athena Award and the designation as Rotarian of the Year by the Opelousas Rotary Club, among others.

On May 19, 2017, Sue found love again when she married fellow banker Paul A. Durand. Their union brought two competing bank presidents together in a partnership defined by mutual respect and shared passions, with Paul continuing to support Sue's interests even after her retirement.

Sue will be deeply missed, but her legacy will forever resonate within the hearts of those she touched.

She is survived by her loving husband, Paul A. Durand; son, Creig David Brignac, Jr. ( Paul Sonnier); daughter, Monica Brignac Carroll (Anthony Carroll); grandchild, Bella Carroll; step-children, Claudette Marie Durand, Paul A. Durand, Jr. (Chasity) and Steven Michael Durand; step-grandchildren, Lexie Nicole Durand, Ryleigh Nicole Durand and Paul A. Durand, III; and one sister, Elizabeth Soileau Bienvenu (Dennis).

She is preceded in death by her parents, Nolen J. Soileau and Virgie Mae Guilbeau Soileau; first husband, Creig David Brignac, Sr.; and her sister, Judy Soileau Carter.

Pallbearers will be her devoted caregivers, Paula White, Sandy Colomb, Sarah Derousselle, Jeanne Savoy, Debbie Rosenthall, and Denetre Calais.

Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Washington State Bank Board of Directors: Harold Stelly, Anthony Bertrand, Alonzo Harris, Robert Wolfe, and Terilyn Cober.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Sue's primary care physician, Raquel Gradney, her neurologist, Saurabh Singhal, and her cardiologist, Kian Ehsan for the exceptional care given to her.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Sue Soileau Durand Foundation, P.O. Box 51308, Lafayette, LA 70505-1308.

Pellerin Funeral Home (337-332-2111) is in charge of arrangements.