Inez LeBlanc Vincent was born in rural Vermilion Parish to Etienne and Rita Leleux LeBlanc on September 16, 1922. Her formal education began at a Catholic school in New Orleans where her father worked in the furniture business. When her family returned to Vermilion Parish, she completed her elementary education at the LeBlanc School. After graduating from Erath High School in 1939, she entered Southwestern Louisiana Institute, S.L.I. (presently, U.L.). She received her B.S. in Home Economics in the fall of 1943.

Mrs. Vincent’s first teaching assignment was a home economics class at Morganza High School in Point Coupee Parish. The following year, she was assigned to Erath High School where she taught Home Economics for twenty-nine years. She retired from teaching in May 1974.

In fall of 1957, Inez was invited to be a guest cook of Town and Farm Journal in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with all expenses paid. She presented a feature story on shrimp and prepared all of the dishes in their test kitchen. This presentation was published in their magazine. The school board gave her a two-week leave to participate in this event.

After retirement, Inez became involved with the U.S.L. (U.L.) Home Economics Alumni. From 1987-89 she served as president of this organization. In 1995 she received the outstanding Home Economics Alumni Award in the College of Applied Life Sciences.

In spite of retirement, Inez has continued her work as an educator even to this day as a substitute teacher especially for teachers taking maternity leave.

Mrs. Vincent continues to be invited to judge the cooking categories at festivals and fairs in the area, including the Cattle Festival in Abbeville and the Yambilee Festival in Opelousas. She also judges social studies and science fairs in the area schools.

In community service, Inez is a volunteer at the Erath Museum. In 1997 and 1998 she helped the U.S.L. Folklore Department with some very interesting programs featuring our Cajun heritage.

Mrs. Vincent has served as vice president of La Famille de LeBlanc since 1997. She was program chairman for the International LeBlanc Family Reunion held in August of 1999 in Erath. Relie LeBlanc and Simon LeBlanc took a trip to Canada to personally invite the Governor General, Romeo LeBlanc, to attend the reunion. It was an awesome moment when Presley LeBlanc, the LeBlanc president, introduced the governor General at the reunion.

While serving as vice president of La Famille de LeBlanc, Inez attend a French Immersion course at the University of St. Anne in Church Point, Nova Scotia, Canada. She received le Pris d’Houneur, Prize of Honor, presented at a banquet held at the end of the course.

In 2001, Inez was the Grand Marshall of the Erath 4th of July Parade. This honor is given to one who has worked in and promoted the Erath community on a volunteer basis.

Inez is an active member of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International. This organization promotes professional and personal growth of women educators. She also belongs to the Vermilion Parish and State Retired Teacher’s Association.

Mrs. Vincent’s hobbies include traveling, gardening and baking. Inez has been an avid walker for many years, who has been known to walk many miles on the streets of Erath. She can also be seen playing a good game of Bourre with friends.

Mrs. Vincent is a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Catholic Daughters of America, and the Ladies Altar Society.

Inez married to the late J.D. Vincent, Jr. She has two sons, Tommy and Timmy Vincent, three grandchildren Leigh Vincent Collier, Bryant Vincent (deceased), and Jacques Vincent, and one great-grandchild, Cameron Bryant Collier. Her sisters are Irene Dronet, Leona Poche’ and Lois Boudreaux and one brother Guy LeBlanc(deceased).