Theresa Ann Thierry Lavergne

Theresa died, surrounded by her family, at 2:15 p.m. on Wednesday, April 10, at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital. She was 78 years old. The fifth of seven children born to the union of Ferdie and Mary Ada (Pete) Thierry, Jr., Theresa was born on her parent's large farm in Plaisance, LA (a rural settlement just north of Opelousas, LA). She attended Plaisance Elementary School and later enrolled in Anderson Junior High School in Austin, Texas. In 1953, she graduated from J.S. Clark High School in Opelousas, LA. Theresa was a beauty queen. She was Miss Anderson Junior High, and she also reigned as Homecoming Queen at J. S. Clark. After completing her education, Theresa met the love of her life, Daniel Lavergne. They were united in holy matrimony shortly after her 21st birthday.

Theresa was the architectural designer of the home she and Daniel built. Having superior taste and an eye for beautiful interior decorating, Theresa always kept an attractive and inviting home that clearly displayed her skills and creativity. Theresa was also known for her creative landscaping. She dedicated a great deal of time to cultivating and maintaining the flowers and trees in her beautiful yard. Theresa had a magnificent "green thumb" and could make anything grow.

Theresa's dedication to her faith motivated the work that she performed at St. Henry Catholic Church and in the Lake Charles Community. She served as President of the Ladies' Altar Society for thirty-years and taught Catechism for fifteen years at St. Henry Catholic Church. In addition, she was a driving force in keeping St. Henry spiritually alive as it transitioned between pastors. Theresa became one of the first female Lay Ministers of the Eucharist at St. Henry's Catholic Church. For twenty-three years, she served as Eucharistic Minister at St. Martin de Porres. Theresa was in charge of collecting food items for Abraham's Tent. As a result of her perseverance and faithful dedication to the St. Henry Catholic Church Parish, she was honored with the Bishop's Distinguished Service Award.

Theresa was well known, loved, and respected by all who knew her.

Theresa is survived by her loving and devoted husband and soul-mate of fifty-seven years, Daniel. She is also survived by her devoted daughter, Anne Marie Lavergne of Lake Charles; her devoted son, Daniel Timothy Lavergne, Sr. (Lakeisha) of Acworth, GA; grandchildren, Daniel (Danny) Timothy Lavergne, Jr. (mother Yolanda) and Marine Lance Corporal Kenneth DeWayne Lavergne (mother Evangeline); Aaron and Rachanee Ware (step-grandchildren; and great-grandchildren, Maleek My'Kel Adam Lavergne, Larry Preston Lavergne, Ma'kayla Theresa Anne Lavergne, and Daniel Timothy Lavergne, Ill; two step-grandchildren, Samuel and Dominique (Mother Lakeshia); one sister, Mary Ann Lopez (Allen); five brothers: Joseph E. Theirry (Caldonia), Marion Ferdie Thierry (Emma Jean), Mose Thierry (Judy), John E. Thierry (Wilma), George Roy Thierry (Bernadette); numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of relatives, friends, and acquaintances who loved, respected, and cherished her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ferdie and Mary Ada Thierry; brother, Mose Thierry; brother, Marion "Buddy" Ferdie Thierry; and sister, Walden Marsh (Galveston, TX).