Eva Vivian Kershaw LaRocca

Eva "Vivian" LaRocca (nee Kershaw), 88, passed away peacefully on April 9, 2026 at her home in Lake Charles, LA. Born on March 20, 1938 in Hackberry, LA, she was the daughter of Lavinia Benoit and Severin Kershaw.

Vivian was a woman deeply rooted in her faith and a cherished member of her community. She was a long time member of Emmanuel Baptist Church and more recently worshipped at Eastridge Baptist Church, both in Lake Charles. Her unwavering devotion to her beliefs and her kind spirit left an indelible mark on all who knew her.

Vivian was preceded in death by her first husband of 50 years, Jack J. LaRocca of Lake Charles; her parents; and her siblings, Melton, Thomas, and Wilton Kershaw, Lillian Quebodeaux, Marie Wallace, and Eunice Myers.

She is survived by her loving husband of 15 years, James E. Leatherwood. Sr. of Beaumont, TX.

She leaves behind a large and loving family who will forever cherish her memory: her daughters, Dianna Clark (Ronald) of Houston, TX and Angelina "Angie" Fridge (Lynn "Fuzzy") of Dunlap, TN; her bonus daughters, Karla A. Beddoe of Iowa, LA and Debbie Lowry of Tyler, TX; her step daughters, Deborah Hannah of Vidor, TX and Lori Dyess of Vidor, TX; and her step son, James Leatherwood, Jr. of Vidor, TX.

Vivian's legacy continues through her grandchildren, Kimberly Fontenot (Chris), Jaclyn Clark of Houston, TX, and Jeremy Clark (Bree) of Rosharon, TX; great granddaughters, Kaitlyn Fontenot of Houston, TX, Rebecca Fontenot of Lake Charles, and Chelsea Clark of Rosharon, TX; seven step grandchildren all residing in Texas; and twelve step great grandchildren also living in Texas.

She is also survived by her brothers, Mason Kershaw of Plano, TX and Charles "Shorty" Kershaw of Carlyss, LA.

Vivian's life was a testament to love and resilience. Her warmth extended beyond family to everyone she encountered. May the memory of her steadfast faith and generous heart bring comfort to those who mourn her passing.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, April 18, 2026 in the Johnson Funeral Home chapel in Lake Charles. Chaplain Shelly Young and Pastor Scott Beardsley will officiate. Burial will follow in Consolata Cemetery. Visitation will begin on Friday from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM and will continue on Saturday from 10:00 AM until the start of the service.

Words of comfort to the family may be expressed at www.johnsonfuneralhome.net.