Obituary for Lelia Veronica LaRue

Obituary for Lelia Veronica LaRue
Lelia Veronica LaRue was born on December 8, 1929, in New Orleans, Louisiana, to the
late George Rene Francis and Josephine Alcidia Johnson Francis. To all who knew and loved
her, she was affectionately called Veronica.
Veronica was a bright and beautiful child. At the young age of 15, she learned to drive a
1939 Model T Ford with a floor shift. She attended and graduated from McDonogh 35 High
School in New Orleans, where she excelled in track and field and proudly reigned as a
Homecoming Princess. As a teenager, Veronica also worked several jobs to help support
her household, including a position at Haspel’s Shirt Factory cutting belt loops for a weekly
wage of $18.
In pursuit of greater opportunities, the Francis family made the decision to migrate to
California, with her brother Anthony Francis leading the way. In 1948, Anthony sponsored
Veronica’s journey to Sacramento, California. She traveled on a segregated Southern
Pacific train, transferring in Los Angeles before boarding a non-segregated train to
Sacramento—an experience that was both new and exciting for her.
Together, Anthony and Veronica later sponsored the migration of the remaining Francis
family members, including their parents, George and Josephine, and sisters Althea and
Shirley. The sisters became known as “The Francis Sisters,” performing and singing at
numerous fashion shows and social events throughout Sacramento.
After establishing herself in Sacramento, Veronica met and married Bernard LaRue. She
often said the greatest highlight of her life was having and raising her children.
While raising her family, Veronica held several jobs before securing a government position
with the State of California. She worked for various state agencies over the years and
ultimately found her professional home at the Department of Social Services, where she
remained until her retirement.
Veronica leaves to cherish her memory her six children: Diana Thomas (Aubrey), Bernard
LaRue (Diana), Jeanette LaRue (Christina), Geraldine Higgs (Curtis), Leslie Oakley
(Larry), and Jacqueline McGill. She is also survived by her siblings: Anthony Francis,
Althea Bell, and Shirley Wade. In addition, she leaves 15 grandchildren, 12 greatgrandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Her legacy of strength, love, and perseverance will live on through all who were blessed to
know her.
Proverbs 31:28 – “Her children rise up and call her blessed”