Liz Poche

Alice Elizabeth Trotti Poché, known to most as Liz and to her family as “Nana,” passed away on July 22, 2025, in Nacogdoches, Texas, at the age of 84. Born on December 13, 1940, in Port Arthur, Texas, Liz lived a life that was equal parts grit, grace, and gumption. She made her home in many places, but it was in Nacogdoches, where she planted deep roots and left a lasting legacy.

Liz was a lifelong entrepreneur—fearless, driven, and never one to wait for opportunity to knock. She made her own doors. In Brookeland, Texas, she owned and operated a gas station, laundromat, pool hall, and liquor store for over 15 years. She later turned her passion for style into a thriving fashion business, opening two boutiques: Simply Yours in Hemphill and her namesake boutique, Liz Poché in Nacogdoches. Her final business venture, Liquor Mart, was a fixture in Nacogdoches and a testament to her unrelenting work ethic.

If you worked for Liz, you likely remember her famous motto: “If you’ve got time to lean, you’ve got time to clean.” Her establishments were always immaculate, her customer service impeccable, and her standards unmistakable. She believed in doing things the right way—her way—and expected nothing less from those around her.

Liz loved deeply, lived boldly, and dressed impeccably. Purple was her signature color, and she wore it proudly. Whether running errands or running her business, she carried herself with confidence and flair. She had a sharp tongue, a sharper sense of humor, and an unwavering demand for presentation—qualities that made her unforgettable to all who knew her. Not every story is polished, but they are all hers, and they paint a portrait of a woman who refused to be ordinary.

She is survived by her children: Vickie Poche’ Barcheers Strickland, Rodney Poché, Barbara Poché Lostetter Reid, and Craig Poché and wife Kristi; grandchildren: Alicia Barcheers Woodard and husband Josh, Stacey Barcheers Brown and husband Simon, Jessica Lostetter Cox and husband Stephen, Jennifer Lostetter Sublett and husband Chad, Renee Poché and husband Enda Ralph, Roby Poché and wife Raylen Worthington, Kaylyn Poché, and Kraig Poché; and great-grandchildren: Meghan Cox, Preston Barcheers, Nolan Cox, Alexandra Brown, and Bailey Sublett.

The family will hold a private memorial in Port Arthur at a date to be determined. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you raise a glass, wear something purple, dance a little and tell a good story—one that’s bold, real, and just a little bit wild. That’s how Nana would have liked it.