Sharon B. Lawrence

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Sharon Bell Lawrence (Gabbert), age 81, of Lawson, Missouri, on May 23, 2025. Sharon’s journey on this earth came to a gentle close surrounded by the love of her family.

Born on January 4, 1944, in Gladstone, Missouri, Sharon was the cherished daughter of William (Bill) and Edna Mae Gabbert (Jones). Her early years were spent in Gladstone, Lawson, and Polo, Missouri, where she attended Lawson Middle School and proudly graduated from Polo Missouri High School with the class of 1961.

On April 12, 1964, Sharon embarked on a lifelong partnership when she married Allen Daniel (Danny) Lawrence in Gashland, Missouri. Their love story blossomed, and in 1964 they made their home in Lawson, where they built a life together for over five decades. Their bond of 52 years was a testament to their enduring love and commitment.

Driven by a passion for beauty and connection, Sharon attended the Martinez School of Cosmetology in Excelsior Springs, Missouri. She went on to become the proud owner of the Golden Lantern salon in Lawson, where she shared her talent and warm spirit with the community. Her career then led her to the Gilmour Corporation in Excelsior Springs, Missouri, where she dedicated herself until her well-deserved retirement.

Sharon’s commitment to her community extended beyond her professional life. She dedicated her time and expertise as a member of the Board of the Lawson Fire Department from 1999 to 2017 . Her selfless contributions made a lasting impact on the safety and well-being of those around her.

Sharon was preceded in death by her beloved parents, William Gabbert and Edna Mae Gabbert (Jones); husband Daniel Lawrence; sister, Susie Petti; and her loving daughter, Deanna Branstietter.

Her legacy of love and family lives on through her surviving children: DeWayne A. Lawrence (Chris) of Fredericksburg, Virginia; David A. Lawrence of Liberty, Missouri; and Deborah L. Fowler of Liberty, Missouri.

She was a cherished grandmother to ten grandchildren: Ryan Holder (Nick) of Kansas City, Missouri; Brandon Holder (Ali) of Kansas City, Missouri; Lindsey Kurtz (Dakota) of Juniata Valley, Pennsylvania; Dakota Branstietter (Bridgett) of Osborn, Missouri; Kathryn Hendrickson (Brandon) of Richmond, Virginia; Hailey Bakker (Sean) of King George, Virginia, Colby Branstietter (Bryanna) of Fort Carson CO; Jordan Holder of Liberty, Missouri; Wade Branstietter of Mississippi; and Morgan Quinn (Russ) of Jefferson City, Missouri.

Her joy was multiplied by her eleven great-grandchildren: Emma Hendrickson, Rosemary Kurtz, Lillian Hendrickson, Reagan Kurtz, Wyatt Bakker, Jonathan Kurtz, Charlotte Holder, Orion Branstietter, Freja Branstietter, Isabella Branstietter, and baby girl Bakker arriving in November 2025.

A celebration of Sharon’s life will be held at the Lawson United Methodist Church on Friday, May 30. Friends and family are invited to a visitation at 10:00 AM, the funeral service will be at 11:00 AM, and a grave-side service will take place at White Chapel Cemetery in Gladstone, Missouri at 1:00 PM where she will be laid to rest next to her husband.

Sharon’s warmth, dedication, and loving spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her memory will forever be treasured in the hearts of her family and the many lives she touched.