Pastor Constance Reed Saizon, born Constance Maureen Reed and affectionately known as “Connie,” was a proud native of Gulfport, Mississippi. She transitioned into eternal life on May 17, 2026, at the age of 78 in Baton Rouge, LA. She graduated from 33rd Avenue High School and later earned a bachelor’s degree in Business/Secondary Education from Xavier University of Louisiana. She went on to complete the fiveyear theological Course of Study through Emory University’s Candler School of Theology at Millsaps College in Jackson, Mississippi.

She is a widow and mother of two adult daughters: Courtni Saizon and Kelli Saizon. She is also the bonusmother of Clarence Saizon, Jr. and Rose SaizonLeBlanc of Louisiana. She is survived by her brothers—Darrell Reed, Daniel Reed, and Lon Reed—as well as numerous cousins, extended family, and friends.

For 27 years, Pastor Saizon faithfully served within the Louisiana Conference of the United Methodist Church. She most recently pastored St. Landry United Methodist Church in Gonzales, LA, and Hughes United Methodist Church in Baton Rouge, LA. Her earlier appointments included Brooks Shaw Temple United Methodist Church and Peoples United Methodist Church in New Orleans, LA. She also served as associate pastor at Roberts United Methodist Church in Denham Springs, LA. Throughout each appointment, she ministered with compassion, conviction, and a deep commitment to sharing God’s love with all she encountered.

She arrived in the Baton Rouge District after Hurricane Katrina rendered her church building and home unusable, destroying all of her material possessions. In the aftermath, God heightened Pastor Saizon’s spiritual gift of humor, which became a powerful coping mechanism. Out of the disaster emerged a Christian comedy ministry through which she uplifted Godly principles, shared her “storm” story, and testified to how—through God’s help—she overcame and claimed victory. Several newspapers featured her journey, and one article fittingly named her ministry “Travelin’ Light,” as she had laid her burdens down. She believed her mission was to EDUCATE by speaking God’s Truth, MOTIVATE by uplifting God and His principles with humor, and ELEVATE by encouraging and energizing the spirits of her listeners.

In 2018, Pastor Saizon published her only book, PASTORIZED, an autobiographical work that highlights the struggles and triumphs of her life, gives God all the glory for what He had done for her, and reminds others that if God saw her through, He can do the same for them.

Her favorite scriptures were:

• Romans 8:28 – All things (not many things, not a few things, not some things, but all things) work together for good for those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose.

• Psalm 23 – (paraphrased) As long as I allow the Lord to be my Shepherd, I shall not want for anything that I need.

Over the years, she has served faithfully in numerous organizations and ministries within and around Livingston Parish, Louisiana:

• Board Member – Livingston Parish Council on Aging

• Teacher – Youth Academy of Denham Springs

• President – Church Women United

• Member – Louisiana Women in Ministry (LAWIM), Kiwanis, and AARP

• Board Member & Spiritual Advisor – Sisters Network, Inc. and Sisters Supporting Sisters (cancer survivors’ group)

• Teacher/Leader – United Methodist Women’s geographical studies

• Member/Officer – Martin Luther King, Jr. Task Force, Denham Springs

• Teacher/Facilitator – Lay Servants School

Pastor Saizon knew that God had a plan for her life. Even when she did not understand His ways, she trusted fully that FATHER KNOWS BEST.

Honoring Pastor Saizon’s expressed wishes, no formal funeral or memorial service will be held. The family encourages everyone who loved and cared for her to celebrate her life in a manner that reflects their personal connection with her.

She will be profoundly missed by her family, her church communities, and all who were blessed by her ministry, humor, and unwavering faith, and lovingly remembered for her kindness, wisdom, and the way she made others feel seen and valued.