Shirley Jean Lyons Velasco

Shirley Jean Velasco, 75, passed away on Thursday, April 14, 2011 in the comfort of her home.

Mrs. Velasco was born on January 2, 1936 to Leonard Clarence Lyons and Rose Agnes Trahan Lyons. She lived in Lake Charles most of her life, and was a graduate of LaGrange Sr. High School. She worked as a nurse's aide at CHRISTUS St. Patrick's Hospital and also was a homemaker.

Shirley enjoyed cooking for her family, fishing and crabbing. She looked forward to Mardi Gras every year, but her greatest joy was playing the slot machines at L'Auberge.

She was a past president of VFW Post 2130 Ladies Auxiliary. She attended St. Margaret Catholic Church and St. Martin dePorres Catholic Church. She will be remembered as a loving, caring and forgiving mother to her family.

Shirley is survived by her loving husband of 60 years, Hector "Chuck" Velasco; two sons, Dennis Wayne Velasco and wife Deborah of Atlanta, GA and Terry Lee Velasco and wife Bobbie of Houston, TX; two daughters, Belinda Kay Velasco of Lake Charles and Carolyn "Rose" Lane and husband Steven of Katy, TX; one brother, Allen Ray Lyons and wife Virgie from Lake Charles; one sister, Judy Ann Gautreaux of Lake Charles; 11 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one daughter, Debra Dreckshage; one granddaughter, Hope Shirleen Meadows; and one great-granddaughter, Kayle Elise Littleton.

Funeral services will be at 12:00 PM Saturday, April 14, 2011 at St. Martin dePorres Catholic Church. Father Keith Pellerin will officiate. Interment will follow in Highland Memory Gardens under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home. Visitation Friday will be from 1:00 PM until 10:00 PM with a scripture service and rosary beginning at 6:00 PM. Visitation Saturday will be from 8:00 AM until 11:30 AM in the funeral home.