Marie Lawrence

Marie Lawrence, 89, passed away at Christus St. Elizabeth Hospital Thursday, November 11, 2010, surrounded by her family.
She was born May 25, 1921, in Beaumont, Texas. Marie attended Beaumont High School and was a graduate of Stephenville High School. She also attended Chenier Business College in Beaumont. In high school she was a drum majorette, and her twirling ability advanced her to state competition after winning district in a drum major contest. Marie was a member of Beta Sigma Phi, Chapter Iota Mu, and was crowned queen of Beta Sigma Phi in 1955.
In 1944 she went to work for Consolidated Steel in Orange, Texas, where she met her husband, John M. Lawrence, Jr. They wed on March 15, 1947, and were married for 40 years. She worked for Mr. Johnny Walker at Oil City Tractors until the birth of her son, John M. Lawrence, III. She delighted in caring for her husband and two children, and dedicated herself to their well-being. Marie's love and devotion were for her children and her grandchildren. They were her greatest source of pride.
John and Marie joined Trinity United Methodist Church in 1963. Trinity was her church home for 47 years.
Marie will be remembered for her magnetic personality, love of a good time, and especially for her grace and beauty. Her voice and sense of humor will continue to live within us.
She was preceded in death by her husband, John M. Lawrence, Jr., son John M. Lawrence, III, brothers Howard and Pete Carter, and sisters Dorothy McCoy and Winnie Hall. She is survived by her daughter Carol Parker and husband Paul of Beaumont, grandchildren Justin Parker and wife Kristen, Kyle Parker, Matthew Parker, Averill Brewer and Mackey Brewer, a special nephew, and special nieces.
The Family gives a special thank you to Mavis Carmauche, Frankie King, Janice LaRocca, Linda Corbin, Sheral Mennard, Edith Tyler and Pearl Leigh for their long and loyal care. What started out as caregivers soon developed into wonderful friendships for Marie.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, November 15, 2010, at Trinity United Methodist church in Beaumont, Texas. Visitation will be held from 4:00-6:00 p.m. Sunday, November 14, 2010 at Claybar Funeral Home, 1155 N. 11th Street, Beaumont, Texas, 77702.
Her grandsons, Justin, Kyle, and Matthew Parker, Rusty Hall, Bill Edwards, and David Brewer will serve as pallbearers.
Memorial contributions may be made to Lamar University Foundation for the John M. Lawrence Accounting Scholarship, P.O. Box 11500, Beaumont, Texas 77710, or to Trinity United Methodist Church Foundation, 3430 Harrison Avenue, Beaumont, Texas 77706.