Susan J. Lawrence

SUSAN JACKSON LAWRENCE, beloved daughter of the late Reverend William Jackson and Kate Dennison Jackson., was born in Georgetown, South Carolina on February 8, 1928. She was one of fourteen children born to William and Kate. Susan began her life journey in South Carolina where she completed her education in the public school system of Georgetown County. In October 1948, Susan met and married the late Ned Lawrence, Jr. and together they migrated from Georgetown County to Baltimore, Maryland. From this union five children were born, the late Ophelia Lawrence, James Vincent, Ned Lawrence III, Iris Rowe and Sandra Ann Johnson. Once firmly established in Baltimore, Susan and Ned found employment to support their growing family. They also found the Lafayette Projects where they secured residence. This new residence opened the door for them to find a church home at Waters African Methodist Episcopal Church which was at that time under the pastorate of Reverend Wesley B. Nash. Some years later in 1993, Susan retired as a housekeeper from Johns Hopkins Hospital after almost thirty years of service. She replaced that job with another called full-time grandmother and began to raise her two grandchildren, Linnea and Rashad. Mother Lawrence worked diligently at Waters Church. For many years, she worked with and served as president of the Faithful Workers. For many years, she was a member of the Stewardess Board. Her need to fulfill her calling to servanthood led her to become a dependable, committed, member of The Health Ministry, The Lay Organization, The Carolinians, The Missionary Society, and The Merry Makers. She was also a member of The Friends Research Institute, Inc. which is a community based intervention project. Mother Lawrence was an amazing disciple of Christ and she enjoyed working and worshipping in God’s house. She loved worshipping with Bethlehem at eight o’clock and Waters at eleven. She did this often until her health made it difficult to attend both services. She loved going on trips with the church and a highlight of joy for her was spending quality time with her family. Mother Lawrence departed this life on Saturday, March 18, 2017. She leaves to cherish her memory: her beloved children, James, Ned Jr., Sandra, and Iris (Anthony); six grandchildren, Ned IV, Brian, Justin, Linnea, Rashad, and Aarika; nine great-grandchildren, Jasmine, Jayden, Nakiya, Naima, Nariya, Nasir, Aayriana, Darius Jr. and Dylan; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and the best church families in all African Methodism.

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Susan J. Lawrence

February 8, 1928 - March 18, 2017