The Life of Lorraine Shoemake Crocker
Graveside services will be held at Lafayette Memorial Park at 2:00 PM on Friday, October 3, 2008 for Lorraine Shoemake Crocker, 85, who died Thursday at 1:11 AM at Camelot of Broussard.Reverend Jan Holloway of First United Methodist Church will conduct the service. Lorraine was born May 7, 1923, in Gueydan, Louisiana to Harry Smith and Ophelia Foreman Smith. Nicknamed "Pet," she grew up in Gueydan and loved working in her grandparents'''' cafe, where she developed her gregarious personality along with her lifelong style of never meeting a stranger. In 1949, she moved to Lafayette with her beloved husband, J.B. Shoemake. When J.B. became disabled in an oilfield accident, she completed a 6-month Spenser Business College course in 6 weeks. She was hired by Mayor Ashton Mouton and served as his secretary for the duration of his term in office. She then served as executive secretary to CEO Arthur Barry at Superior Oil Company. When Lafayette government converted to Mayor-City Council structure, Lorraine became the first City Clerk for the City of Lafayette, serving with Mayor Kenny Bowen. She then went on to serve as curator of the Lafayette Museum. Always an entrepreneur, Lorraine created and owned two businesses during her lifetime--Pet''''s Fashions in Kaplan and Oil City Employment Service in Lafayette. Lorraine was a lifelong spiritual searcher and practiced Mentalphysics and Unity Christianity. She was a member of First United Methodist Church for over 50 years, where she served as president of the Grace Agate Sunday School class.Lorraine was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Ophelia Smith, her sister and brother-in-law, Kathleen "Dakki" Smith Rakestraw and Paul Rakestraw, and her husbands, J.B. Shoemake (1980) and Bernard W. Crocker (2008).Family was precious to Lorraine. She is survived by her two treasured daughters, Cheryl Dennis Raphael and Dr. Kathryn Elliott and her husband, Dr. James Elliott; one grandson, Fr. Mark Raphael; one beloved brother and sister-in-law, Dr. Harry and Jeanette Smith; two nieces and their husbands and children, Kathleen "Kottie" and Mike Larson and Paula and Chris Deshotels, and her devoted friend, Dale Ann Bacon.Lorraine loved good food and was a great cook who loved to feed her family. She loved music and dancing. She played piano by ear, including rousing Boogie-Woogie and hymns with a flourish. Lorraine''''s family would like to express their deepest gratitude to her loving caregivers from Griswold Special Care, Carissa, Laura, Sharon, Linda, Chernell, Tee, as well as Cheryl D., Tammy H., and to her caring physician, Dr. Karen Smith. Also thank you to the 6th floor staff at Lafayette General Medical Center, the staff at Camelot of Broussard and to Journey Hospice who provided such loving care and support in her last days.Martin & Castille Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Our deep appreciation goes to their entire staff who served us so graciously and thoughtfully.In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Anthetic Psychology Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 81097, Lafayette, LA 70598 or to the charity of your choice. Martin & Castille-Lafayette-234-2311
