Maxine Theresa Craven Perez

Maxine Theresa Craven Perez, 68, of Lake Charles passed away on Friday, August 28, 2015 surrounded by her family. Mrs. Perez was born on October 11, 1946 in Mallet, LA and lived in Lake Charles most of her life. She was a graduate of Charles Drew High School in Eunice. She then attended Demmon's School of Beauty and received her cosmetology license. Mrs. Perez furthered her education by receiving an Associates Degree in Office Administration from Sowela Technical Institute. She proudly owned and operated Maxine's Beauty Shop for many years. Following retirement, she became a health care provider which she took great pride in. Mrs. Perez was a member of St. Margaret Catholic Church. Maxine was considered the family matriarch, and often hosted family dinners and impromptu gatherings, as it was her nature to celebrate everything. Her love and dedication to her family was exemplary and there was no greater "Mother". She will be remembered for her kind, generous heart, always giving to anyone in need without question or expectation. Maxine's vibrant and embracing spirit was reflected in everything she did, from her cooking, decorating skills, and colorful sense of fashion. She will be greatly missed by all the lives she touched. Those left to cherish her memory are her loving husband, Ricardo "Ricky" Perez; two daughters, Clarissa Marie Gobert (Robert) and Courtney Kerlegon-West (Sterling) all of Lake Charles; a step daughter, Connie Sterling (Robert) of Lake Charles; a step son, Charles Kerlegon, Jr. (Chanda) of Houston, TX; seven siblings, Genora Sonnier, Gerald Craven (Jean), Jimmie Craven, Jr. (Diana), Joan Fontenot (Marcus), Carmelita Rene (Dr. Antonio), Phyllis Broussard (Ernest), and Annette Ardoin; four grandchildren, Chelsea Pouchie, and Justin, Quintin, and Carrin Charles; three great grandchildren, Nevaeh Butler, Ava Charles, and Jessie Mitchell, Jr.; and a host of nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Thelma and Jimmie Craven; former husband, Charles J. Kerlegon; two brothers-in-law, Whitley Sonnier and Joseph Ardoin; and a nephew, Mario Sonnier. A funeral mass will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, September 5, 2015 at St. Margaret Catholic Church. The Rev. Nathan Long will officiate. Burial will follow in Consolata Cemetery under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home. Visitation will be held in the funeral home on Friday from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM with a rosary being recited at 6:00 PM.