The Thibodeaux to her Boudreaux
When you see one, you usually see the other. Best friends for 40 years, Sharon Phillips and Beetle Boudreaux Fisher have shared so much life together that most people assume they’re sisters. Since Beetle already carries the Boudreaux name, Sharon laughs and says she must be the Thibodeaux.
Their friendship began in 1986 when Sharon’s husband, Chuck, who went to school with Beetle, invited her to the grand opening of “Friends Hair Salon” on Lavey Lane in Baker. The moment the two were introduced, they instantly clicked, and the rest is history. From traveling together to attending Mardi Gras balls and just about every social event in Zachary, the pair has been inseparable. They’ve shared New Years, weddings, births, losses, illnesses, shopping trips...and even a few hangovers.
They worry about each other’s children and grandchildren just the same. Beetle’s children, Christy and Brad, along with her eight grandchildren, and Sharon’s children, Camryn and Blake, along with her five grandchildren, have always been part of one shared family circle. As a hairdresser, Beetle gave both of Sharon’s children their very first haircuts, and when it was time for Camryn’s son, Jack, to get his first haircut, she was the one trusted to do that, too.
Their bond grew even stronger when Beetle’s young son, Brad, and Sharon’s mother, Billie Ballard, were both diagnosed with cancer. Without hesitation, the two joined forces, coordinating cancer fundraisers across Zachary for organizations such as the American Cancer Society and St. Jude. For ten straight years, they hosted a St. Jude golf fundraiser, raising over $300,000 for the hospital.
Their community work continued as they chaired the fundraising committee for playground equipment at HugYourPeople Park and teamed up with the Zachary Charity League to host fried fish dinners, crawfish boils, and a softball tournament. They even ventured into business together, opening Pretty Woman Boutique in Zachary in 2008.
Through the years, and through the loss of both of their parents, their friendship only deepened. When Beetle couldn’t be present for the birth of a grandchild, Sharon was there at the hospital in her place. Later, Beetle hired Sharon’s daughter at her salon, treating her like family. Today, their families remain closely intertwined. They talk briefly every morning, and if one is out of town for more than a few days, a reunion hug is a must.
At Beetle’s wedding to Vic, Sharon even played a special part in the ceremony. Asked to contribute to the vows, she humorously chose the lines not to take—keeping the moment lighthearted, personal, and full of love.
A friendship like theirs is rare, genuine, and deeply cherished. It’s the true definition of friends who celebrate milestones, encourage one another, and stand side by side through every step of life.
