Ms. Marion Colbert, ‘Queen of the Banana Tree’ and local icon, dies

18th January 2022   ·   0 Comments

By Geraldine Wyckoff
Contributing Writer

Ms. Marion Colbert, who had a smile, a wave and a story for everyone, passed away on Saturday, January 8, 2022. She was 93.

On sizzling summer days in New Orleans, she’d greet family relations, old friends and passersby from a bench under the shade of a crop of banana trees next to St. Augustine Catholic Church, just across the street from her Treme home in the 1100 block of Henriette Delille Street that, until recent years, was named St. Claude Street. Ms. Marion regaled in her title as the “Queen of the Banana Tree.”

It seemed as though everyone knew Ms. Marion, as she was affectionately known by, as a mother and neighbor as well as from her days as a denizen of her birthplace in the 7th Ward, where later she was widely and proudly known to hit the happening clubs. Those from around the world also met her as the gregarious powder room attendant at Brennan’s restaurant where she delighted patrons for some 35 years. After her shift, Ms. Marion would walk from the Royal Street eatery, through the French Quarter to her home with a couple of stops along the way. Many of those from around the country and world who encountered her at the restaurant would seek her out as she held court in her neighborhood. They’d often bearing gifts including a pair of gold earrings that she highly prized.

Ms. Marion, who could rattle off whose father, mother, child, grandchild, great grandchild were related and where they lived, treated everyone the same. The driver of a tour bus got a big hello or good evening as did the young guys with low riding pants strolling by. It was her mission to embrace all, try to make people happy and have them enjoy New Orleans and get along.

The “Queen,” a very attractive woman, had many roles. Early on, she rolled cigars at the Keep Moving Cigar Factory and often remembered how when she got home, bathing was immediately essential to eliminate the odor of the tobacco. She also worked at the Laudumiey Funeral Home on North Rampart Street, now the home of the George and Joyce Wein New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Center. At one point, she was employed there at the same time as the equally beloved and lively bass drummer “Uncle” Lionel Batiste. She once confessed that, not surprisingly, they’d sneak beer into the building. Knowing both, one can imagine that despite the solemnity of the venue, some hilarity went on. These two understood however that the departed wouldn’t be disturbed by a few sips and when it was time all due respect would be observed.

Ms. Marion loved celebrating her birthdays and she and the neighborhood did them big. Months ahead she’d announce the date, July 7, and invite everyone, including those she’d never met before to stop by. Some regulars like her old friend Jerome Smith, the founder of Tambourine & Fan youth organization, would, much to her delight, stop by and trombonist Corey Henry rarely failed to kick off a brass band that got Ms. Marion dancing in the street. Her motto, delivered with a laugh, was “Kick the devil off!”

She was proud of her son, Brison Colbert, for taking up the same profession as a bricklayer and plasterer of her father, who once lived in the area of Treme that was subsequently razed. Brison and her daughter-in-law, Gloria Jean Brooks, who lovingly acted as Ms. Marion’s caretaker in the last years of her life, lived with her on Harriet Delille Street. Ms. Marion is also survived by her brother, Arthur Smith, five grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Funeral service for Ms. Marion Colbert will be held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, 411 North Rampart Street, on Saturday, January 22, 2022. Viewing is from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. with the service from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. The 1100 block of Henriette Delille Street from Ursulines Ave. to Gov. Nicholls Street will be closed for the repast that begins at 2 p.m.

This article originally published in the January 17, 2022 print edition of The Louisiana Weekly newspaper.