Willis Lawrence, Jr., the first-born child of the late Willis Sr. and Willie Mae Moore Lawrence, was born in Franklin Parish, county seat of Winnsboro, Louisiana on February 4, 1932. “Jake”, as he was affectionately named by his Aunt Leola Moore Thomas (“Aunt Sis”), graced our lives for 86 years with his tremendous kind-hearted nature. Willis departed this life Saturday, August 25, 2018 at 9:55 p.m. at St. Francis Hospital in Monroe, Louisiana with his loving and devoted son Pierre at his bedside and daughter Natalie on the phone.
He was baptized at an early age at Union Baptist Church in the Bell Settlement. He later joined Mt. Olivet Missionary Baptist Church under Rev. W. L. Brannon in 1957, where he served as a member of the finance committee for many years. Willis was installed as a deacon in 1970 and faithfully served until his health failed in April 2015. He also served as director of Baptist Training Union (BTU) and was a member of the Solomon Sunday School.
Willis attended Bell Union, Franklin Parish Training School, and Carroll High School, formerly known as Monroe Colored High, where his class was the second class to graduate in 1954. Willis began his working career as head bus driver for Carroll High School, where the students jokingly named him “Mr. Carroll II”, as he demanded order and respect like Mr. Carroll did. He worked hard and gained experience at Lee Rogers Chevrolet Co., which later became Ryan Chevrolet Co. Next, he worked as bookkeeper at Joe Pendleton Service Station. He then became the first black male supervisor at Ouachita Parish Detention Home and was also the co-proprietor of Powell Street Grocery Store. Later, he worked for the Ouachita Parish Public Library for 13 years and finally he worked for Riverwood Production Co. formerly known as Olin Craft/Manville for 28 years, where he retired.
Willis married Willie Mae Myles Lawrence on September 8, 1956 in Monroe, LA. To their union, seven children were born. Willis not only raised his own children, he helped to raise his brother and sister in law, Lucille Myles and John Andrew Myles, who he and his wife took in at young ages. Willis and Willie Mae had a strong and loving marriage as their marriage endured for 61 years. He was a very devoted husband, who did not leave or enter the house without greeting his wife with a kiss and a “Hello Dear.” His wife was equally devoted to him, even sleeping in a recliner next to his hospice bed until the time he entered the hospital for the last time.
Willis was a God-fearing man who demonstrated honesty and integrity. He was a wonderful and selfless father who made many sacrifices to ensure that his family was well taken care of. Willis was also a loving grandfather, who would keep his grandchildren over the summers and would always express how proud he was of them. Willis had a heart of gold and always put the needs of others before himself. He even opened his home over the years to many family members in need. Though Willis was mild-mannered and easy going, he did not tolerate any foolishness! He loved to read, especially the Bible, and loved working in the yard, watching TV and spending time with his family.
Willis was proceeded in death by his parents Willis, Sr. and Willie Mae Moore Lawrence, his beloved “Aunt Sis”, his brother Lester Davis Lawrence and his eldest son Willis Lawrence III. He leaves to cherish his precious memory, his wife of 61 years Willie Mae Lawrence of Monroe, LA; four sons: John, Glynis, Lester Pierre and Mason all of Houston, TX two daughters: Natalie Hayes (Michael) and Winifred Mims (Ron) of Houston, TX; grandson, Lawrence Peter Hayes of Portland, OR and granddaughter Sarah Morgan Hayes of Houston, TX; sister Henrietta McClanahan of Monroe, LA; sister in-law Bennie Ruth Emerson, two brothers in-law Bernard Myles (Connie) of Winnsboro, LA and John Myles (Patricia) of Monroe, LA; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Viewing will be from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. on Friday, August 31, 2018 at Richardson Funeral Home, 1866 Winnsboro Road, Monroe, LA and the family hour will be from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be on Saturday, September 1, 2018 at 1:30 p.m. at Mount Olivet Baptist Church, 500 Swayze Street, Monroe, LA.
