Shirley Marie Fontenot

Shirley Marie Fontenot, 84, of Lake Charles was called Home on December 21, 2020.

Shirley was born on August 16, 1936, in Grand Lake, LA to Ervin and Agnes Arceneaux. She was the youngest of 5 children.

The family later moved to Lake Charles where she attended T.S. Cooley and LaGrange High School. It was here she fell in love with her high school sweetheart, Leon “Sonny” Fontenot. They both graduated in the Class of 1954, and joined together in Holy Matrimony at St. Margaret’s Catholic Church on August 28, 1954.

Together, Sonny and Shirley welcomed three children: Missy, Kelli, and Tommy. She was a dutiful mother and wife to her family; there was nothing she cherished more than the fellowship shared at her dining room table as her family enjoyed a meal, lovingly prepared by her. She enjoyed listening to Cajun French music; the upbeat melodies brought a smile to her face. She welcomed people with kind “hello’s” and warm smiles, working as a door greeter at Walmart for 24 years.

Like with her own children, she enjoyed spending time with her grandkids, supporting them in everything they strived for. Nothing brought her more joy than seeing her granddaughter cheer for the LSU Tigers and hearing her grandson play French music on the accordion.

She was welcomed into Heaven by her husband of 45 years; Leon Ray “Sonny” Fontenot; a daughter, Missy Fontenot Martin; her parents, Ervin and Agnes Arceneaux; and a brother, Gilbert Arceneaux.

Those left to cherish her memory are her children, Kelli Fontenot and Tommy (Kelley Ann) Fontenot; grandchildren, Mary Claire (Kyle) Burks and Cameron Fontenot; her siblings, Mildred Arendt, Milton Arceneaux, and Alberta O’Brien; a sister-in-law Louise Solari, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

The family will welcome friends on Monday, Dec 28, 2020, at St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church beginning at 10am to 1pm. A Rosary will begin at 12:30. A Mass of Christian Burial led by Monsignor Jace Eskind and Father Keith Pellerin will begin at 1pm with burial to follow at Highland Memory Gardens.