Raised to help people

By: ELIZABETH WEST
Associate Editor

From working at the store her dad owned years ago to helping open a new park and playground in the town of Mamou, Ward 3 Justice of the Peace Phyllis Soileau has dedicated her life to the service of others. Before being elected as Justice of the Peace, Soileau learned about helping others from the example that her family set for her by providing a grocery store to the residents of Mamou.
She recalls her parents emphasizing the importance of “helping others.” Soileau said, “My parents always loved helping others and that’s how they raised me and my sister. That’s the way my dad and his brothers were raised and he wanted to instill that in us.”
The 57-year-old Soileau was born and raised in Ville Platte but upon graduating from Sacred Heart School in 1967 she relocated with her family to Mamou to be close to the family business, the store known as the Mini Mall,  which her father Merton owned for more than 20 years. In addition to the store, her father also served as chief deputy for Sheriff Wayne Morein, which opened her eyes to the love her dad had for politics. A love she possesses as well.
“It’s a family tradition,” said Soileau. “My dad ran for sheriff before, and even though he wasn’t elected it was the whole process of being out there talking to the people that he really liked and I also enjoy.”
Soileau has always remained very active in the small community. Soileau has played a major role in having a track and skating rink built for Mamou residents. She even owned a bar named Rumors and helped area musicians like Steve Riley and Pharell Manuel get their names out. Soileau gave Riley his first gig playing at her bar.
“Phyllis will always go above and beyond to do anything she can to help,” Mamou Town Council member Leisa Desohtel said. “She is awesome!”
Added Mamou High softball coach Kim Manuel, “She is a lady that wears many hats and takes on jobs even if they are not her responsibility.”
Soileau’s impact has been especially felt with the high school’s softball program, in which she is a part of heading a non-profit called the Double Play Backers Club to help pay for the team’s additional expenses.
 “Ms. Phyllis is completely selfless and humble,” Manuel said. “Phyllis has helped make sure the park is kept up and has helped the softball program get donations.”
Soileau is humbled by such praise.
“The people do just as much for me,” Soileau said. “That’s why I don’t like to blow my own horn. I do these things because I want to do them, I enjoy it.”
The appreciation that people of the community have for Soileau became crystal clear when she was involved in an accident that nearly cost her a leg. In 2007 the front load of a tractor fell on Soileau, crushing her leg. She spent 65 days at Savoy Medical Center in Mamou recovering and was forced to undergo 24 surgeries along with numerous hours of physical therapy that was spanned the course of seven years.
“It was a long seven years of healing,” Soileau said. “If it wasn’t for my friends pushing me I would have given up a long time ago. I am giving back to them now.”  
Pat Soileau, Phyllis’ sister, was also there to help her after her accident. Today, Phyllis is the one there for her sister who had a stroke a while back and moved in with Phyllis four years ago.
“She took care of me when I was down and now it’s my turn to take care of her so I call her the queen,” Soileau said.
The first political position Soileau held was Mamou Council Member, a position she was elected to in 1995. Two years later in December of 1997 she was appointed as supervisor of recreation of the town. Soileau has served as Justice of the Peace for Ward 3 since January 2015 and her responsibilities consist of dealing with eviction claims and performing wedding ceremonies.
Soileau also serves on the board at Savoy Medical Center and Cancer Center continuing her long service to others through volunteer work.  
Holding multiple positions keeps Soileau doing what she has loved to do since her childhood.
“I just love to meet and help people,” Soileau said.