ELEBRATION OF LIFE FOR
JULY 27, 1949 - FEBRUARY 13, 2024
Wednesday, March 6, 2024 | 10:00 AM
FRANCIS FUNERAL HOME
5201 Whitby Avenue, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19143
Deaconess Geraldine Mills, Officiating Rev. Dr. Theophilus Wright, Eulogist
Larry Earnest Lawrence was born July 27, 1949, in Greensboro, GA to the late Sam and Verona Lawrence. He was the youngest of nine children.
After moving to Atlanta, GA, he attended and graduated from Henry McNeil Turner High School in 1967. He then began working at Irvingdale Dairies. It was during that time he met and married Vivian Whittenburg and fathered a beautiful daughter, Valerie.
After a separation, he migrated to Philadelphia, PA to reside with his Aunt Verna and Uncle Grady Jones in Southwest Philadelphia. He gained employment at the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science for three years and met and married the love of his life, Emma R. Templeman in 1987 and acquired a stepson, Richard L. Templeman (Rick) who he was extremely proud of.
Upon his third year at the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science, he sought employment at the Haverford Community Hospital where he was hired as a housekeeper, and eventually promoted to Assistant to the Director of Housekeeping and after 10 years of service, in 1988, he sought employment at Glen Mills Schools as a counselor/teacher for delinquent boys.
He took pride in teaching the young men to sing Christmas Carols in English and Spanish and they would perform at neighboring Malls during the Christmas Season. Larry also taught his youth to recite his favorite Jessie Jackson quote, “If my mind can conceive it, and if my heart can believe it, I can achieve it”.
In 1991, Larry and his neighbors formed the Landfill Town Watch in the community and in 1995, he served as committeemen for the 40th ward in Southwest Philadelphia.
In addition while working at Glen Mills, Larry started his own janitorial business, LL Cleaning Services, acquiring various cleaning contracts. His son Rick created the business motto, “We are the team that keeps it clean”
Larry was a Free and Accepted Mason with the Sons of Sharon Lodge #142 and was a proud member for many years. The Senate of Pennsylvania in Harrisburg, PA together with the Sons of Sharon Lodge #142, presented a recognition award on April 24, 2010, for Many Years of Civic and Community Service presented by, Clarence E. Clark, Jr. Secretary, and Harry Graham, Jr., Worshipful Master.
Before retirement, Larry was on dialysis for seven years then became a proud recipient of a successful Kidney transplant at Crozer Chester Hospital in April 2015.
Prior to Covid, Larry was a longstanding member of the 46th Street Baptist Church (Theophilus Wright, D.D., Pastor) where he sang in the Men’s Choir. His favorite scripture was the 23rd Psalm along with his favorite gospel songs “Fix it Jesus” by the Canton Spirituals, “God’s Grace & Lead Me” by Luther Barnes. His favorite rhythm and blues artists were The Temptations and Charlie Wilson.
Larry’s hobbies included being a dedicated Philadelphia Eagles and Boston Celtics fan and loved watching their games, along with looking at horror flicks and old cowboy movies while chilling in his man cave.
He also found pleasure in refurbishing his 1965 Chevy Nova on campus with the help of the students in the Bodyshop.
He was an excellent gardener and received many 1st prize awards in the Philadelphia Vegetable Garden Contest. Larry was an extraordinary cook on the outdoor grill while entertaining family and friends. He referred to his garden as the “High Chaparral” alongside his wife’s garden “Mrs. L.’s Wonderland”. Larry’s mentor was his cousin Curtis Johnson retired (former President of the Board at Glen Mills School), the first African American to hold such a prestigious position and was a great inspiration in his life.
Larry Lawrence departed this life on Tuesday, February 13, 2024. He was preceded in death by his parents, seven siblings, Cleveland Lawrence, Samella Ealey, Bennie Lawrence, Lillie Ruth Thomas, Gladys Cook, Willie and Jimmy Lawrence; sisters-in-law, Marianna Adams and Carlene Lawrence; brothers-in-law, Curtis Ball, James Ealey, Henry Thomas, and Russell Wright.
He leaves to cherish his memory a devoted and loving wife, Emma Lawrence; daughter, Valerie Walker, Ellenwood, GA; stepson, Richard Templeman (Tonya), Cherry Hill, NJ; grandchildren, Vandaral Shackleford, Jr. (Jael) , Crowley, TX, Brannon and Diamond Walker, Ellenwood, GA; great-grandchildren, Laila Shackleford, Union City, GA, Naomi and Malachi Shackleford, Crowley, TX; sister, Dorothy Wright, Atlanta, GA; brother-in-law, Christopher Ball (Edith), Chester, PA; sister-in-law, Teresa Lawrence, Atlanta, GA; aunt, Mattie Stephens, Buffalo, NY; a host of nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends.
Processional….Clergy, Family & Friends
“Lead Me”, by Luther Barnes
Scripture Reading
The Old Testament | Psalm 23
Vandaral Shackleford, Jr.,
The New Testament | John 14
Prayer of Comfort / Remarks
Remarks (Three Minutes Please)
Dea. Howard Mills
Dea. Howard Jackson
Vandaral Shackleford, Jr. Sis. Pamela Hines
Acknowledgement of Cards/ Reading of Obituary
“
Diane Poulson, Constituent Service Advisor
For State Representative
Regina Young
Selection
“God’s Grace”, Luther Barnes
Eulogy
Rev. Dr. Theophilus Wright
Pastor Emeritus, 46th Street Baptist Church
Acknowledgements
Francis Funeral Home
Recessional
Fix It Jesus”, by Canton Spirituals
Though our time together was brief and marked by physical distance, the impact you've had on my life is immeasurable. Despite the challenges we faced in nurturing our relationship, the love we shared transcended miles and circumstances. Your strength in facing chronic health issues with dignity and perseverance has left an indelible mark on my heart. I admired your resilience and unwavering spirit, even in the face of adversity. Our conversations over the phone were cherished moments, and the occasional visits brought warmth and connection to my life. When I saw you in the hospital, just a week before you departed from this world, and we exchanged those heartfelt words of love, it meant everything to me. In that moment, all the distance and difficulties faded away, and what remained was the bond between a father and his daughter, steeped in love and understanding. As I bid you farewell, I carry with me the memories of our time together, the lessons you imparted, and the love you showered upon me, even from afar. Though you may no longer be by my side, your presence will always be felt in my heart.
Rest peacefully, Daddy, knowing that you were loved deeply and that your
God looked around his garden and found an empty space
Then he looked upon the earth and saw your weary face He put his arms around you and lifted you to rest
God saw you were getting weary. So, he did what He knew was best He came and stood beside you and whispered. “Come Larry and rest”
It was 4:15 A.M. when you called me and softly spoke these words
“Hi Babe, I miss you”, I love you”, “I want to come home”.
I replied, I love you too and when you do come home, “I am going to “BIG TIME SPOIL YOU”
And then you bid me a good night When our Savior called you you did not go alone
A part of me went with you when He called you home.
THANK YOU, JESUS, Missing you like crazy
Love You Always
Your Loving Wife, “BUSH”
Em Eden Cemetery
Collingdale, PA 19023
Family & Friends
The family of the late Mr. Larry Lawrence would like to express its sincere gratitude and appreciation to all of you for your love, support and kindness shown to our family during this time of bereavement. Your calls, cards, floral tributes and most of all your prayers served as a source of comfort to us. May God richly bless each of you. Special thanks to Larry’s brother-in -law Christopher Ball whom they shared a very special bond and his coworkers and staff at Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital, Darby PA. for their loving care for Larry during his hospital visits throughout the years.
FRANCIS FUNERAL HOME
5201 Whitby Avenue
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19143
215-747-5200
