Lula Mae Lou Higginbotham Sonnier

Lula Mae "Lou" Sonnier, 82, of Lake Charles "obtained her ultimate freedom" on, Wednesday, the 4th of July, 2012 in her daughter's residence.

Mrs. Sonnier was born on December 28, 1929 in Big Lake, LA and lived most of her life in Lake Charles. She worked as a waitress for the Sheraton Chateau Charles and also for Bevo's. Mrs. Sonnier was also a cafeteria tech for the Calcasieu Parish School Board.

She enjoyed fishing and gardening but most of all she loved cooking for her family and spending time with them, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Those left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Margaret Holtzclaw Taylor and husband Milton of Lake Charles; one brother, Sostan Babineaux of Cankton, LA; five grandchildren, Tammy Chaisson, Crystal Chaisson and husband Randall, Tana Rowley, DeAnn Fontenot and husband Chris, and Max Holtzclaw; three step grandchildren, Kim Shockley, Brad Taylor, and Kelli Lawson and husband Kevin; eleven great grandchildren; nine step great grandchildren; and three great great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Freddie "Pete" and Celina Babineaux; her first husband, Calton Higginbotham; her second husband, Allen Sonnier, Sr.; a brother, Darmas Babineaux; a sister, Ludie Simon; son-in-law, Samuel "Bo" Holtzclaw; and a great grandson, Austin Chaisson.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, July 7, 2012 in the Johnson Funeral Home Chapel. Deacon Jack Reynolds will officiate. Burial will follow in Graceland Cemetery. Visitation will begin on Friday from 3:00 PM until 9:00 PM with a rosary being recited at 6:30 PM. Visitation will continue on Saturday from 8:00 AM until the start of the service.

The family would like to express a special thank you to Lorraine Bertrand, Mrs. Sonnier's niece and exceptional care giver.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Amedisys Hospice, 814 W. McNeese St. #100, Lake Charles, LA 70605.