Dorothy Gilford-Whitehead

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Mrs. Dorothy Gilford-Whitehead, age 96, who peacefully entered into eternal rest after a brief illness on September 24, 2026 at her home in Slidell, Louisiana. 

Funeral Services will be held Friday, October 2, 2026 at Saint Genevieve Catholic Church, 58203 Highway 433, Slidell, LA 70460. Viewing Hours will be from 9:00 am through 10:55 a.m. The Funeral Mass will begin at 11:00 a.m. Following the funeral Mass, the Burial Service will take place at Honaker-Forest Lawn Cemetery, located 1751 Gause Blvd West, Slidell, LA 70460. 

If you live in Slidell, you have to know about Dorothy Gilford-Whitehead. She was everywhere, and meant something to everyone. Daughter of the late Augustine Falgoust and Colbert Gilford Sr., sister of the late Shirley Gilford Wesley and Colbert Gilford Jr. and the late Warren Steib, she entered eternal rest on September. 24, 2026, peacefully at her home. She was 95.

Dorothy attended St. Mary’s Academy High School in New Orleans, Louisiana, Class of 1952. As her children grew up, she worked as a manager of housekeeping at what was then 8 Days Inn in Slidell (now Days Inn), where she was Employee of The Year.

Born December. 23, 1930 in Plaquemines Parish, Dorothy, a diminutive, energetic, nurturing, loving, and hard-working woman was dedicated to her family, a helping hand for anyone in her community who needed it, a loyal servant to St. Genevieve Catholic Church, made each of the 34,000-plus days she spent on this Earth matter.

She preferred deeds — when no one was watching — over words. She’d much rather give gifts than receive. Need someone to drive you to a doctor’s appointment, pick up groceries, choir practice or to see your grandchildren in a Christmas play? “Dot” was there, and that included in New Orleans where she also showed up for her extended family and loved ones.

In the midst of all that, she kept an immaculate home, always cooked homemade meals, saw to it that her children completed advanced education and found joy in their successes. She kept them focused, encouraged intellectual growth and good character. Your possessions, she’d emphasize, don’t say anything about you. How you treat the vulnerable and those with less when you think no one is watching, and that includes all living creatures, is who you actually are.

She dedicated herself to fitness, walking daily with her group at the mall and also participated in Silver Sneakers classes at Cross Gates.

A devout Catholic, Dorothy attended daily mass. She also attended a weekly rosary group, a charismatic prayer group, Mother Thrice rosary campaign and was a member of St. Genevieve’s choir as well as the Gospel Choir of New Orleans. She did volunteer work for Barack Obama’s presidential campaign, too.

She was preceded in death by husband Richard Whitehead Sr. and son Richard Whitehead Jr.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory five children, Iretha Whitehead, Sharrell Whitehead, Marcia Whitehead, Katrina (Cedric) Bell and Johnnie (Victoria Sun) Whitehead; grandsons James Kousakis, Cedric (Kayla) Bell Jr. and Christopher (Kayla) Bell; great grandchildren Zoe Bell, Blaire Bell, Maverick Bell and Sincere Bell.

She will be missed by a host of nieces, nephews and loving friends.

Baylous Funeral Home is honored to serve the Whitehead - Gilford family, and we ask that you continue to cover them in thoughts and prayers throughout the difficult days ahead.