Erath 4th of July Celebration
2007 Grand Marshal
Leona LeBlanc Poche’
The Erath 4th
of July Association is proud to announce the selection of Leona
LeBlanc Poche’ as the Grand Marshal of the 61st Annual
Erath 4th of July Celebration. Poche’ is a native and
longtime resident of Erath, who has spent much of her life involved
in various civic organizations in Erath.
Poche’ has
been involved with the Erath 4th of July Celebration for
many years. Her involvement began in 1973 as a member of Les
Travailleuses. Les Travailleuses was a women’s organization in
Erath that worked on different civic projects in the community. The
organization was in charge of the Erath 4th of July
Celebration from 1972-1975. In 1976, the Erath 4th of
July Association was formed, and Poche’ continued her involvement
with the celebration. She continues to serve on the board of
directors, and is the chairman of the annual July 4th
Tea. Poche’ also works each year in the Association’s Office,
helping to operate the festival each night of the celebration.
Poche’ is
currently serving as the President of the Ladies Altar Society for
Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Erath. She is also a longtime member
of the Erath Century Club. She is an avid fan of the Erath Bobcats,
and rarely misses an Erath High School football game. She is also
the coordinator of the LeLeux Family Reunion, which meets annually
in Erath in June. Poche’ recently retired after working 26 years
for Dr. John S. Thibodeaux in Erath. She spends her spare time
playing bouree and attending her grandchildren’s various
activities.
Poche’ married
Lynn James Poche’ in 1951. After Lynn’s untimely death in 1970,
Leona returned to Erath to raise their her family. She is the
mother of eight children: Rita Barry (married to Jerry), Jimmy Poche’
(married to Natalie), Paulette Holcomb (married to Tim), Celeste
Stuart (married to Roger), Denise Soileau (married to Kirk), Paul
Poche’ (married to Wendy), Mark Poche’ (married to Schuyler), and
Guy Poche’ (married to Marybeth). Poche’ is also the grandmother of
18 grandchildren and the great grandmother of two.
