Funeral set for Lockett, former St. Mary educator

The funeral for former St. Mary Parish School System educator and coach Kenneth “TeTa” James Lockett Sr. will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at St. Edward Catholic Church.
Lockett, 56, died Thanksgiving Day at his home.
Lockett’s passing is “a blow to our system,” said St. Mary Parish Schools Superintendent Leonard Armato. “He was a tremendous asset to St. Mary Parish, education, as well as the community. And he will be a tremendous loss.
“Right now, our parish is mourning for him and his family. He was in constant contact with us, letting us know his journey of his constant battle with cancer. He fought a tough fight.”
Lockett began his career in St. Mary Parish Schools as a teacher and later a principal of Franklin High School.
He later went on to serve as supervisor of child welfare and transportation for St. Mary Parish schools. He was a high school track coach.
Lockett was also a school board member in Iberia Parish.
Active in church, he attended St. Edward Catholic Church in New Iberia.
Lockett was a faithful booster club member, Eucharistic minister and usher.
His affiliations include the Knights of Peter Claver Court 124 (third degree) and Knights of Peter Claver and Prosper Bijou Assembly 16 (fourth degree).
One of Lockett’s greatest memories is receiving the Steve Harvey National Neighborhood Coach of the Year award.
Visitation is set for 7 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. Wednesday at Jones Funeral Home in Franklin. Tributes will begin at 8:45 a.m. and last for an hour.