With deep sorrow, we acknowledge the passing of our beloved Theresa Christina Rush LaRoche who left us on Thursday morning, December 31st after her long battle with diabetes. She is the daughter of the Late Miss Roberta Spells McCants and Late Mr. Willie Rush of Bowman, SC. Theresa spent her childhood years in Bowman, SC raised by her grandmother, mother and aunts while earning the respect of her grandfather, uncles and cousins. She was Baptized and is a Life Member of St. Stephens UMC. She began grade school in Orangeburg County and later graduated from Washington Irving High School in New York City in 1962. While living in The Bronx with her mother, Theresa enrolled in medical school. Upon graduating from The Central School for Practical Nurses in 1966, she then began her medical career as a LPN with Harlem Medical. It was not all study and work for Theresa while living in The Bronx. Being not far from Harlem, she was able to hear the public speeches of Malcom X. While attending Salem UMC, she heard gospel singer Mahalia Jackson perform. Theresa also spent time at the Apollo Theatre to see and hear her favorite soul singer, Otis Redding. It was not until she met Korean Conflict Veteran, SGT John B. LaRoche, Jr. of Johns Island, SC, that her life changed. After a co-worker courtship, the two were married and gave birth to their first son. In 1971, Theresa and her new family moved back to South Carolina where she continued a medical career which stretched over four decades and marriage of over 50 years. During this time, Theresa gave birth to a second son and years later welcomed her first grandchild. Theresa R. LaRoche is survived by her loving husband John B. LaRoche, Jr., sons Dwayne B. LaRoche (Valtricia) and Reginald W. LaRoche (Tra’Neisha), grandson Jonathan LaRoche and welcomed LaDacia Champagne-Smith and A.J. as her grandchildren. She will be sorely missed by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, co-workers in the Medical Field, and her Church Family of St. Stephens UMC.

Celebration of Life Service will take place on Thursday, January 07, 2021, at 1:00 pm at St. Stephens United Methodist Church,1065 Two Church Road, Bowman, SC 29018. Interment will follow in the church cemetery at 155 St. Stephens Rd, Bowman, SC 29018.

Viewing for Mrs. LaRoche will be held on Wednesday, January 06, 2021, from 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm in Walker's Mortuary "Chapel of Peace."