Felix R Lawrence

Felix was the third child of Elige Woodrow Lawrence and Katherine Smith Lawrence. He was born on his grandfather’s farm In Franklin, Tennessee. He had his early education in Williamson County schools under segregation. He was known to be a curious child of good character.

He attended Tennessee State University where he met his first wife Bobbie. They were Biology lab partners. He completed his B.S. in Biology and proceeded to complete his M.S. in Zoology at TSU. Upon completion of his degrees he attended Meharry Medical College. In 1968 he completed his DDS and went to Boston University as a research fellow. He left BU with a D.Sc in dentistry. After completing a residency at Cook County Hospital he enter professional Life.

Felix was the first Black and youngest to chair a postgraduate dental program in the U.S, serving as chair at Cook County Hospital in Chicago. He served that capacity at Cook County Hospital for a number of years. He then served in the same role at Hines VA Hospital in Chicago. He had oral surgery practices in Oak Park, IL and Franklin, TN. In the early 2010’s he served as director of graduate studies in the school of Dentistry at Meharry Medical College, his alma mater.

In Christian service Felix served as junior deacon and then deacon at Fifteenth Avenue Baptist Church and Judson Baptist Church. He enjoyed teaching Sunday School at Fifteenth Avenue Baptist Church.

Felix was preceded in death by his parents, Elige and Katherine Lawrence, brothers, Elige, Jr. and Dymus and his daughter, Sherilyn Monice Lawrence. Felix also leaves to mourn his passing, son Kenneth Lawrence, siblings, Charles, Odie, Emily and Jean, and a host of nieces and nephews. At the time of his death his significant other was Maria Jasso. They shared a home with her daughter, Gabriela, Brittany and Ashley.

Ken and the Lawrence family as well as the Jasso households thank everyone who called, sent texts or in other ways supporting us during this difficult time. Please know that words alone cannot fully express our gratitude.

Memorial contributions in Felix honor may be made to Meharry Medical College or Fifteenth Ave. Baptist Church.

Visitation with the family was on Friday December 22, 2023 from 10-12 PM with a Funeral service following at 12:15 until 1:30 PM all at Fifteenth Ave. Baptist Church 1203 9th Ave. N. Nashville TN 37208. Burial will be on January 23, 2024 at 2 PM at Mt. Hope Cemetery.