Mary Ellen Kelly Lawrence

MARY ELLEN KELLY LAWRENCE, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and faithful friend to many, passed away peacefully at the Houston Hospice on October 28 with her daughters by her side. Mary was born in Houston, Texas, on November 21, 1927, to Emma Laura and William Mathews Kelly. She was a native Houstonian and resided in the same house near Rice University for over 50 years.

Mary attended Reagan High School and enjoyed being a drummer in the marching Red Coats throughout her high school years. After school, Mary worked in the downtown offices of Southern Pacific Railroad, with her younger sister, Doris, for fifteen years. It was during this time that she was introduced to her future husband, Calvin Lawrence, at an evening church service. Mary and Calvin married in Houston on October 21, 1955 and were married for 45 years until Calvin passed away in 2001.

Mary was a beautiful role model for her two daughters, Lynne and Laura. She also lovingly raised her nephew, David, after he solely survived a tragic family car accident in 1969 at age ten. She loved and adored her grandchildren and many grandnieces and nephews. Her unconditional love and welcoming smile were contagious on Southgate Blvd. and her home was a revolving door for many neighbors, friends, church gatherings and family celebrations.

Mary loved to travel and took many adventures with Calvin during her lifetime. She was involved in numerous volunteer activities at Second Baptist School where her children attended for many years. She loved music, line dancing and she was also active in various groups to clothe and feed the homeless. Her true passion, however, was teaching Sunday school with two dear friends for 30 years at South Main Baptist Church. She loved sharing God’s word with the youngest.

Mary’s strong faith sustained her for several years as she battled and survived Stage 3 breast cancer from 2002- 2004. She was a testament to never give up. Mary was very active in her assisted living community up until several weeks ago. Her warm and engaging personality was a gift to her family, friends and caretakers, even in ICU and Hospice.

Mary is survived by her daughters, Lynne Lawrence Kubicek and her husband, Lawrence George Kubicek of Houston, TX; Laura Lawrence Wilcock and her husband, Thomas Bray Wilcock, Jr. of Darien, CT; grandson, Thomas Bray Wilcock, III; granddaughter, Catherine Elizabeth Lawrence Wilcock; 13 nieces and nephews; 14 grandnieces and nephews; and 10 great grandnieces and nephews; as well as many beloved friends. She is predeceased by her loving husband of 45 years, Calvin Leonard Lawrence; his three brothers and their wives; and her three siblings, William Kelly, Doris Roach and Jean Hubbell.

A Graveside Service will be held at Memorial Oaks Cemetery, 13001 Katy Freeway, Houston, 77079, on Saturday morning, November 2, 2013, at 9:00 AM. A Celebration of Life will follow at 11:00 AM, at South Main Baptist Church Chapel, 4100 South Main Street, Houston, 77002. A reception will follow at the church immediately after the service.

In lieu of memorial flowers, you are welcome, if so inclined, to make a donation in honor of Mary Lawrence to South Main Baptist Church, Houston, Texas, or to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.