Mr. James M. Black

Effie Mae Hebert and Wilton P. Hebert were both Louisiana natives, who arrived in Port Neches, Texas, during their early formative years. Effie was the daughter of J. E. and Corinne Guidroz, operators of a local Port Neches grocery store, and was born in Lafayette. Wilton’s parents were Alphe and Lucille Hebert of New Iberia. Wilton began working at the Texas Company in 1915 as a barrel maker, but soon moved to Houston to work in the auto industry. In 1933, Wilton returned to Port Neches to begin his career in the insurance and realty business, and the following year, purchased the local Chevrolet dealership. During this time, Effie worked for the Linn Motor Co. as an accountant. Wilton and Effie were married in St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church January 20, 1934, and Effie took over management of the Hebert Insurance Agency. Wilton became a civic and political leader in the area, organizing the Young Men’s Business League, the Port Neches Junior and Senior Chambers of Commerce, as well as political rallies in Jefferson County. During the early 1940’s, Wilton and Effie expanded their real estate holdings with a building venture of 500 homes in the Texas Addition, a difficult undertaking due to the war time shortage of building materials. In later years, Wilton developed another subdivision called Hebert Place. Shortly after the war ended, Wilton opened the Neches Appliance and Furniture Company and he and Effie owned it for many years.After the war, Wilton organized and chartered the First Savings Association of Port Neches, and in 1954, he assumed the presidency of the First National Bank of Port Neches. Wilton’s civic involvement expanded through the years to include Port Neches Rotary Club, Knights of Columbus, and the South County Catholic High School. On the national level, Wilton served on the National Board of USO where he began a long time friendship with Bob Hope. Wilton Hebert, Bob Hope and Bum Phillips’ friendship raised the necessary funds for the Bob Hope School at the Hughen School for Crippled Children. Both celebrities also attended the dedication of the Effie and Wilton P. Hebert Public Library. Wilton has served on the Board of Directors for Lamar University Foundation, Texas United Fund, Boys Haven, Heart Association, Goodwill Industries, Mid-Jefferson County Hospital, Sabine-Neches Bankers Association, Spindletop Charity Horse Show and the Port Neches Community Welfare. The Hebert’s were noted for their philanthropies to Jefferson County and Port Neches in particular. The Bob Hope High School, Hughen School for Crippled Children – Adult Vocational Center, Diocese of Beaumont – Hebert conference Center, Lamar University, Brown Center, Christus – Saint Elizabeth – Wilton P. Hebert Health & Wellness Center, Saint Elizabeth Catholic Church – Hebert Hall, Port Neches-Groves High School Scholarships, Port Neches Senior Citizens Center landscaping , and the Effie and Wilton Hebert Public Library are just a few of the many humanitarian projects funded by the Hebert’s. The honors and awards the Hebert’s have had bestowed include the Benefactor Award from the Texas Library Association, Investiture into the Knights and Ladies of the Holy Sepulcher, named to Who’s Who in the Southwest, Presidential and State of Texas citations for his contributions to society, and voted as most influential person in Jefferson County. The Wilton P. and Effie Mae Hebert Foundation was founded in 1985 and continues their philanthropic work with yearly grants to organizations through an application process. Effie Hebert was born August 26, 1909 and passed away on May 24, 1990. Wilton Hebert was born June 19, 1900 and passed away on May 12, 1991.