Nancy Webb Lawrence

Passed away on August 20, 2024

Nancy began her amazing journey through life on June 14, 1956 in Sacramento, California. Born to adoring parents Col. (Ret.) Louis O. Lawrence and Nancy G. Lawrence, both natives of Hampton Roads area of Virginia, she was diagnosed with Downs Syndrome. At that time, there was limited knowledge of the condition and doctors offered to have her placed into a “home” for the disabled/disadvantaged.

Nancy and Louis quickly made it clear that was not a choice. That was beginning an amazing journey of steep learning curves, continuous/evolving special care and unwavering commitments to provide her a wonderful and fulfilling life. Combined with decades of unconditional love and living in a nurturing environment, Nancy lived to the age of 68, far surpassing the average lifespan of Downs children born in that decade.

Nancy spent the first few years of her life moving around the U.S. as part of a “military family”, eventually settling into a permanent home in Arlington, Virginia. It was there that Nancy blossomed in an incredible atmosphere of a loving family, neighbors and friends for the next 46 years of her life. There she attended St. Coletta’s Special Education school. Through the school’s focused attention working with special needs children, Nancy learned social, emotional, physical and knowledge skills that greatly influenced and enhanced the remainder of her life. She loved physical activities including swimming, basketball, boating and the beach. She participated in multiple Special Olympics in her younger years. Nancy especially loved music. On any given day you could find her with headphones on and microphone in hand rocking to the beat, belting out the words to popular songs and flashing the “peace sign” to anyone that passed.

Nancy was predeceased by her parents, father Louis and mother Nancy. Nancy, passed in 1996 followed by her father in 2003. At that time Nancy moved to Stafford, Virginia to live with her brother his wife and three children. She remained with them until her passing. She is survived by older brother, Louis. G. Lawrence and his loving spouse, Kathleen M. Lawrence of Stafford, Virginia. She left behind an adoring immediate family to include Chad and Sandy Lawrence and children Joshua and Julianna of Stafford, Virginia., Brooke and Troy Hanford and children Kayden and Kayla of Stafford, Virginia. and Kylee Lawrence of Stafford, Virginia. These wonderful family members were intimately involved in Nancy’s personal care, social environment and continuous family interaction. They were directly responsible for enhancing the incredibly adoring and caring atmosphere Nancy enjoyed for the remainder of her life.

A memorial service for Nancy will be held Saturday, September 14, 2024 at 4:00 PM at Mullins & Thompson Funeral Service, 186 Shelton Shop Rd, Stafford, Virginia 22554, followed by a reception at 5:00 PM.