Help Carla to Send Bibbs Home

We are lifting up our House of Blues Brother, the remarkable and loving Herman Bibbs to lay him to rest and provide aid for his devoted wife, Carla, in this time of great sorrow.

"Bibbs" or "Starch" as he was affectionately known, loved his work at House of Blues. He was a dedicated team member, team leader, shoulder for many and one of the funniest fellas in the place which is saying a lot! Bibbs was a member of the opening team and stayed thru 2008.

It was not love at first sight with his future wife of 23 years. Rather, a host tipped Carla off on his affections for her. It all started as many great love stories in New Orleans often do, with Bibbs jumping at the chance to deliver a delicious lunch to Carla during her shift!

In 2019, Bibbs started forgetting things which developed into Dementia followed by a debilitate stroke which paralyzed him on one side in 2022. Guided by faith, Carla has carried this incredible caretaking quietly. She left her work to care for his every need at home.

Every day prayers were offered up that Bibbs would recover and they would carry on with their lives of traveling cross country and beyond as he enjoyed exploring new places.

Before his employ at House of Blues, Bibbs was a member of the Orleans Parish Sheriffs Department, always there to protect and serve his beloved community.

His wish was to be laid to rest near his mother at Providence Cemetery. The wish is that Carla and Herman can rest together and we've worked out the pricing which is shockingly expensive. The cost of a single plot is the same as a the down payment on a double plot so this gives Carla peace of mind in the days and years to come taking the weight off of her children and grandchildren.

The costs to care for him and send him from Aubrey, Texas where they have lived since 2020 to Louisiana is well over $6,000. It looks like Providence may have something available in the Mausoleum with his mother, if not, he will be nearby. The down payment for the double plot is $6675, total cost is $8675, cost to open/close is $1175 and engraving of the name is $425. We still need to cover flowers, etc for the graveside service.

As I type this the tears are rolling down my cheek. This is no easy task. It's hard to imagine this great man has left us. Carla needs support. Personally, I knew when I was having a bad day I could swing by House of Blues and be embraced by love, laughter and music always greeted by Carla and Herman.

Some of you know, Carla's daughter had surgery for a brain tumor, on the same day her stepfather passed. She's recovering beautifully and we all know how much strength this takes.

Bibbs is survived by 4 sons, 4 stepchildren, 10 grandchildren, 17 step-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews. This man gave everything to his family.

Carla has requested the GoFundMe not be posted to her Facebook page.

Our hope after multiple conversations this week with many of you is that we can create a House of Blues Social Aid & Pleasure Club so there's a fund to help in the New Orleans tradition of taking care of our own. House of Blues in the day was a magical place created by folks working for the team yet without much of a safety net. Anything over the goal will be paid forward.

Please feel free to contact Carla or myself with any questions or support.

Services will be held at Providence Memorial Park, Metairie, Louisiana, Wednesday June 12th at 10am. Repast to follow at The Broadside, 600 N. Broad, New Orleans 11:30-2:30pm Please reach out if you'd like to bring a dish for the repast.

Carla's Venmo is @bibbscarla5 for anyone who would like to go direct.

Every little bit helps! If you're unable to make a donation please share or reach out about other ways to help.

With sincere thanks from Carla,

Kind regards,

Friends of the Bibbs family