Shirley Sonnier

Shirley Marie Sonnier (Aucoin), affectionately known as “Granny,” a cherished mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at the age of 78 in Houston, Texas.

Born on June 20, 1946, in Jennings, Louisiana, Shirley was a devoted Catholic and a faithful member of St. Hyacinth Catholic Church in Deer Park, Texas. She graduated in the class of 1964, from Jennings High School – a proud Bulldog.

Shirley worked for over two decades at the Jennings Sewing Factory, where she was known for her strong work ethic, kind spirit, and the friendships she built. After retiring, she found new purpose as an after-school caregiver at Bethel Christian, where her warmth and compassion left a lasting impact on the many children she cared for.

After 52 years as a resident of Lake Arthur, Louisiana Shirley moved to Texas to be closer to her beloved family. She deeply treasured the time spent with her granddaughters and looked forward to daily evening drives with her daughter. Sundays were especially cherished, filled with love, laughter and the delicious home-cooked Cajun meals prepared by her son.

In her early years, Shirley found great joy in music, singing in the high school choir and filling every space with her vibrant spirit. She loved to dance and could light up any room with her warmth and energy. An avid reader with a sharp and curious mind, Shirley held a lifelong passion for books, crossword puzzles, and word search games.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William Joseph Aucoin and Josephine Benfiglio Aucoin; and her brothers, William Joseph Aucoin (Kim) and Frank Paul Aucoin.

She leaves behind her daughter, Tammie Marie Sonnier; her son, Tracy James Sonnier, and daughter-in-law, Tammie Lynette Sonnier; her beloved granddaughters, Lindsey Sonnier (fiancé Hector Martinez) and Lacey Sonnier; her sister-in-law, Patricia Aucoin; nephews and godchildren, Jody Aucoin (Karen) and Timmy Aucoin (Kim); nieces, Jozette Thibodeaux (Terrel) and Tina Escude (Wayne); and numerous great- and grand- nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Miguez Funeral Home in Lake Arthur, Louisiana. A rosary will be recited at 1:15 PM, followed by a procession to Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church for a Mass of Christian Burial at 2:00 PM. Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery in Jennings, Louisiana under the direction of Miguez Funeral Home.

The family also wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the ICU staff at Methodist Memorial Hospital in Webster, Texas, and the compassionate hospice caregivers at Harbor House of Houston, along with the many others who provided care and comfort.

Pallbearers will be Robert Hanks, Bart Abshire, Scotty Esthay, Hector Martinez, Timmy Aucoin, and Chad Guidry. Honorary Pallbearers will be Jody Aucoin, Jacob Guidry and Josh Guidry.