Hey folks, if you’ve ever wondered about the roots behind Beyoncé’s killer style and that whole House of Deréon vibe, it all traces back to one amazing woman: her grandma, Agnéz Deréon. This Louisiana-born seamstress wasn’t just handy with a needle—she built a legacy of creativity, hard work, and family bonds that still echo in the fashion world today.
Let’s dive into the story, from humble beginnings to the lasting impact she had on famous descendants.
Who Was She?
Agnéz Deréon, or Agnéz M. (DeRouen) Beyincé as she was formally known, was born on July 1, 1909, in the little town of Abbeville, Louisiana. Folks sometimes called Agnes, but she was baptized nearby in Delcambre. As one of 16 kids—yep, you read that right—born to Eugene Derouen and Odilia Broussard, she grew up in a big, bustling Creole family.
Source: https://www.findagrave.com/
Early Life and Creole Heritage
Growing up in the South during the early 1900s wasn’t easy, especially with limited opportunities for folks like Agnéz. But Creole roots gave her a rich cultural backdrop that fueled inspiration.
Creole folks in Louisiana blend French, Spanish, African, and Native American influences, creating this vibrant mix of music, food, and style. Imagine the spicy kitchen smells from mom’s cooking and jazz tunes floating through the streets—that was the world.
Agnéz Deréon was the youngest in that huge family, and by 1920, they’d moved to Vermilion Parish, Louisiana, with siblings and relatives all crammed under one roof.
Those elaborate dresses and fancy needlework from Creole women around left a big mark. It shaped a sense of elegance and pride, which she’d carry through life and pass down to kids and grandkids.
Marriage and Family Life
Agnéz Deréon’s personal life was full of love and a few twists. At just 17, around 1926, she tied the knot with her first husband, Mervin Marsh. They had two kids together—Selina and Mervin Jr.—before things didn’t work out, and they divorced.
But love came knocking again when she met Lumis Albert Beyincé (sometimes spelled Buyince). They got married and built a family, adding more children like Selena Rittenhouse, Florence Bowers, Tina B. Knowles (that’s Beyoncé’s mom), Mervin Mash Jr., Larry Buyince, Roland Buyince, and Lumis Buyince Jr.
Later on, Agnéz and family settled in Galveston, Texas, where she spent the last 30 years. She was super active in the Holy Rosary Catholic Church, showing how faith played a key role in life.
Influence on Fashion and Family Style
Agnéz Deréon’s flair didn’t stop with her own work—it trickled down through the generations. Her classic, feminine looks and Creole elegance became the family’s signature style. Beyoncé once reflected that her grandma was glamorous yet elegant, making her own clothes and teaching her to sew as a kid.
That influence hit its peak when Tina and Beyoncé launched the House of Deréon fashion line in 2006. Named after maiden name (Derouen, stylized as Deréon), it mixed vintage vibes with modern twists, like a nod to the timeless designs crafted back in the day.
Tina credited her mom with teaching her everything about fashion, business, and how style can boost your self-confidence. Beyoncé echoed that, saying the strong women in her family—like mom and grandma—taught her about independence, power, and self-love.
In a way, every piece from House of Deréon is a tribute to Agnéz, keeping the spirit alive in the fashion world.
Remembering Agnéz Deréon’s Contributions
Sadly, passed away on July 4, 1980, at age 71 from cardiac failure at the University of Texas Medical Branch hospital in Galveston. She left behind her husband, kids, grandkids, great-grandkids, and siblings. Her funeral was at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, and she’s buried at Calvary Cemetery in Galveston.
But man, legacy? It’s huge. From small-town Louisiana roots, she embodied that classic American dream—using her talents to create something lasting.
She was a trailblazer, a visionary, and a loving matriarch who touched countless lives through sewing and the values she instilled. Whether it was brides in Agnéz gowns or a famous granddaughter on stage, a touch of style and strength keeps inspiring folks today.
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