Mary Lou Lawrence's Obituary
Mary Lou Lawrence, 88, of Washington, IL (formerly of Decatur), passed away Saturday, February 27, 2016, at Reflections Memory Care in Washington, IL.
Funeral services to celebrate Mary’s life will be 11 a.m. Thursday, March 3, 2016, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. Visitation will be one hour prior to church service. Burial will be in Laenna Cemetery in Chestnut, IL. Contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Decatur.
Mary was born on January 29, 1928, in Gentryville, Indiana.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Ida and Morton McVey, her husband of 52 years, Edwin Daniel Lawrence Sr. (1999), two children: Nancy Jane Lawrence (1992), and Edwin Daniel Lawrence Jr. (2012).
Mary graduated from Stephen Decatur High School in May 1946.
She married Edwin Daniel Lawrence Sr. on September 27, 1947 and moved to Warrensburg where her husband farmed. Mary spent her time working in her beautiful flower gardens and helping Edwin on the farm. She loved working in her flowers. She also loved her home that her step father Benjamin Baker built for Edwin and her, and she was very proud of the fact that the Lawrence farm was named a centennial farm in 2006.
Mary was a very devoted member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Decatur since 1947.
Mary has one surviving daugther, Susan Zaiser (John) of Washington and daughter-in-law, Janet Lawrence. Mary has five grandchildren: Christopher Lawrence (Mendy) of Decatur, John Zaiser Jr. (Dari) of Deer Creek, Joshua Zaiser of Washington and Samantha Leverton (Jarrett) of Washington, and Matthew Lawrence in Decatur. Mary also has eight great grandsons: Gage Lawrence of Decatur, Anson Zaiser, Paxton Zaiser, Hawkins Zaiser of Deer Creek, Andrew Zaiser, Quinten Zaiser, Easton Zaiser of Washington; and Owen Leverton of Washington.
Mary has one living step brother, Byron Lee Baker, of Decatur. As well as 2 step granddaughters Lori Adams (Tom) and Michell Brockman (Tommy), along with 5 great step grandchildren Breanna, Evan, Dusty, Caitlyn, and Garrett.
Mary will be remembered for her beautiful smile, her deep religious faith, her love for gardening, and all the times she spent with the family. All the great grandchildren always lovingly called her Grandma Farmer.
The family of Mary Lou Lawrence is being served by Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home, 2091 N. Oakland Avenue, Decatur, IL. Send condolences to the family at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
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