Merrell Oates Lawrence, 78, passed away February 16, 2021. She was preceded in death by her husband, Andrew J. Lawrence, Jr; father, Austin Ashely Oates; mother, Reni Raines Oates; sister, Myrtle (AJ) Booth and grandson, Steve A. Lawrence, Jr. Mrs. Lawrence is survived by her children, Pamela Lawrence Messick, Clint Lawrence (Marie), Steve Lawrence (Sabrina) and Joel Lawrence (Tonya). She is also survived by 13 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren and a host of others, including the 28 years of bus students and church children, she called hers.
Services for Mrs. Lawrence will be Saturday, February 20, 2021 at 11:30 AM at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Prattville, with the visitation Friday, February 19, 2021 from 6-8 PM at Ridouts Prattville Chapel. Pallbearers will be Wayne A. Lawrence, Joshua A. Boatner, Michael J. Smith, Jr, Kyle Sandin, Will Lyons and Jim Lawrence. Honorary Pallbearers will be Michael J. Smith, III, Eddie Holoman, Danny Joe Oates and Tommy Lawrence.