Mary Earline (Templeton) Lawrence

Mary was born on August 9, 1921, to William Earl Templeton and Lela Olive Hanna Templeton in Galion, Louisiana. She lived in Edwards, MS, for seven years on a chicken farm, then moved to Jackson, MS, during The Depression. Mary attended Central High School for grades 7-12 and graduated in 1939. She then attended Belhaven College. She graduated from Clark Business College in Jackson.

It was at the business college that Mary met and fell in love with William (Bill) Levi Lawrence from McComb, MS. He was soon drafted into the Army. They were married on November 14,1942, in the Methodist Church at Apalachicola, FL. After the war, they made their home inJackson, MS. Their only child, Tandi Lei Lawrence Puckett, joined their family in 1953.

Bill and Mary loved the Lord and worshipped Him at North State Bible Church, Riverwood Bible Church, and Jackson Bible Church over the years. Later they joined Broadmoor Baptist where they were both very active. After Bill’s death in 1997, Mary moved her membership to First Baptist Church where she remained very active. She was involved in the Benevolent Ministry, the Reflection Choir, the Welcome Center, the tape ministry, her Sunday School class, and various Bible studies.

In 2013, Mary moved to make her home at The Orchard in Ridgeland, MS. There she enjoyed frequent and faithful visits by her “niece” Charleene Barnette Gafford and close friend Dot Gamblin. She was also grateful to Martha Fulcher for her love and support over the years.

Mary and her family will be forever grateful to her nephew and his wife, Steaven K. and Judith Jones of Pacific Palisades, CA. It was only through their love and generosity that Mary was able to live at The Orchard after Bill’s passing and most recently Spring Arbor. They helped provide a wonderful home for her in her declining years.

In October of 2022, at the age of 101, her daughter moved Mary to Charlotte, NC, so that she could be closer to her immediate family. For the last few years, she has been at Spring Arbor of Steele Creek where she has continued to thrive. She would have celebrated her 104th birthday in August.

In addition to her parents and husband, Mary was preceded in death by her only sister who died at 9 months of age from Colitis.

She is survived by her daughter Tandi Lei Puckett (David) of Davidson, NC, and two granddaughters: Amy Puckett and Dorothy (Dori) Puckett Hinote (Brad) also from NC.

Mary Lawrence had such a positive attitude towards life and death and was joyful on all occasions because she knew the Lord had a plan for her life and was in control of everything. She was loved by so many friends and will be greatly missed.

For memorials, please make a gift to First Baptist Church of Jackson Outreach Ministry, The Billy Graham Crusade Ministry, or a charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be shared at www.McEwenPinevilleChapel.com