Dr. Shirley S. LaRoche: Psychologist, Educator & Community Leader – Obituary
Dr. Shirley S. Brothers LaRoche, a clinical psychologist, educator, and community leader in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, passed away on , at the age of 89. Her death marks the end of a distinguished career dedicated to mental health, education, and civic engagement.
Born on , in the Fosterville community of Rutherford County, Tennessee, Dr. LaRoche’s academic journey began with valedictorian honors at Bell Buckle High School. She continued her education at Middle Tennessee State University, earning both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Arts degree, and was a member of Kappa Delta Pi. She later obtained a Ph.D. In Psychology from the University of New Mexico, completing a post-doctoral internship there, and a Divinity degree from Vanderbilt University Divinity School.
Dr. LaRoche dedicated her professional life to the Alvin C. York Veterans’ Medical Center in Murfreesboro, where she served as a Clinical Psychologist. Her contributions spanned multiple departments – Psychology, Psychiatry, Medicine, Surgery, Oncology, and Neurology – providing psychological services to a diverse patient population. Beyond direct patient care, she played a crucial role in training the next generation of psychologists, serving as Director of Psychological Education and Training for graduate students from Vanderbilt University, Meharry College, Middle Tennessee State University, and the University of Tennessee. This commitment to education led to appointments as an Adjunct Associate of the faculty at each of those institutions.
Throughout her career at the VA, Dr. LaRoche was recognized for her excellence. She received yearly awards for “Outstanding Performance” and was named “Outstanding Woman of the Year” for her community service, as well as being recognized as “Outstanding VA Employee in the State of Tennessee.” These accolades reflect not only her clinical skill but also her dedication to serving both her patients and the broader community.
Following her retirement from the VA, Dr. LaRoche pursued her interest in theology, completing her Divinity Degree at Vanderbilt University and becoming a member of the “Scholar Prophetarium.” She continued her service by volunteering spiritual care at Rutherford Hospital/St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital for several years.
Dr. LaRoche’s commitment to community service extended far beyond her professional life. She held leadership positions in numerous organizations, demonstrating a consistent dedication to improving the lives of those around her. She served as President of the American Association of University Women (MTSU), Interim President of the Murfreesboro League of Women Voters, President of the Ambassadors for the Rutherford Hospital, and on the Rutherford Hospital Foundation Board. Her involvement also included roles as President of the Women’s Club, Regent of the Colonel Hardy Murfree Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, and three years on the Murfreesboro Hospice Board.
Early in her career, Dr. LaRoche demonstrated a passion for education at all levels, teaching sixth grade in Virginia and accelerated classes in seventh and eighth grade at Bellwood School in Murfreesboro. She later became the Director of the “School for the Gifted” at Reeves Rogers, showcasing her commitment to nurturing talent and providing opportunities for advanced learning.
Her philanthropic efforts included support for organizations focused on the underprivileged and oppressed. She provided classes in Education and Management at Franklin Heights in Murfreesboro for underprivileged women and was a member of the Association for the Preservation of Tennessee Antiquities. She maintained a life-status membership with the American Psychological Association.
Dr. LaRoche was a long-time member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, where she actively participated in the choir, taught an Adult Bible Class, and served as a Lector and Eucharist Minister. She was also involved in the Ladies Guild and supported the Mission Ministry in Haiti, demonstrating her faith-based commitment to service.
Beyond her professional and civic activities, Dr. LaRoche enjoyed a rich personal life, filled with intellectual pursuits and cultural appreciation. She loved books, history, and classical music, and was a skilled pianist. She travelled extensively, appreciating diverse cultures, and pursued her artistic talents through watercolor and oil painting. She and her late second husband, Richard F. LaRoche, Sr., an attorney-at-law and former judge, restored a Greek-revival ante-bellum home on Betty Ford Road, which served as a gathering place for family and friends.
Dr. LaRoche is survived by her children, Timothy Leigh Sullivan and his wife Ellen, Shea Sullivan and his wife Irma, and Norman Louis Sullivan and his wife Donna; step-children, Richard F. LaRoche, Jr. And his wife Gloria, Dr. Elizabeth LaRoche and her husband John Murray, Cheryl LaRoche Kellerman and her husband Bob, Debbie LaRoche Kennedy and her husband Lynn, Lina LaRoche Warden and her husband Dr. Jeffrey Warden; grandchildren, Emily Sullivan Martin and her husband Bret, Katie Sullivan Slier and her husband Clinton, Eric Sullivan and his wife Shelby, Corrie Sullivan Dobis and her husband Kyle, and Jessica Kincaid; great-grandchildren, Kennedy Mikel, Holland Slier, Weldon Martin, Claire Martin, Luca Sullivan, and Sterling Sullivan; brother, Winston Brothers and his wife Bonnie; niece, Jeannie Williams and her husband Wade; and nephew, John Brothers and his wife Sheron.
She was preceded in death by husbands, Norman C. Sullivan, Richard F. LaRoche, Sr, and J. Howard “Herby” Powell, Jr.
A visitation will be held on , from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Woodfin Memorial Chapel. A Funeral Mass will be held on , at 11:00 am at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, followed by burial in Evergreen Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to The Journey Home, Greenhouse Ministries, or St. Rose of Lima Catholic School in memory of Dr. Shirley LaRoche.