John "Kelly" Lawrence, 73, passed away on July 25, 2021 from an unexpected heart attack in Groveton, Texas. Even though a failing heart took him away from this world, his loving heart left a beacon of light for all those who knew him and loved him.
He was born December 12, 1947, in Lafayette, Louisiana to John Kelly and Odessa (Thomas) Lawrence, Sr. Kelly's family moved from Lafayette to Houston, Texas 1953. As a baptized and confirmed Catholic, he attended St. Nicholas Catholic School where he served as an Altar Boy for several years. He completed his preschool and primary education at St. Nicholas Catholic School and his secondary education and graduation from Jack Yates Senior High School in 1965. After high school he attended Texas Southern University and was drafted into the United States Army and sent to Korea as an Army Supply Sergeant where he served our country for two years.
While attending high school Kelly worked after school with his uncle Raphael Lawrence at Scientific Cleaners and after graduating he became a full time employee, eventually owner/operator of the cleaner for more than 50 years.
Kelly and his sweetheart, Maretha Brown were married for 52 years. Kelly and Maretha loved children and were a positive influence on many of the family's children they helped raise. Several have said that Kelly was the first person to give them a job or he was the first entrepreneur they came to know. he was, always ready and willing to share words of wisdom, quick to teach all he knew showing kindness, being a person of your word, respect for women, self and others. Lives were changed for the better because of him.
He was an extremely strong man and could accomplish anything he set his mind on. He loved having projects around the house and was definitely a jack of all trades. When someone would say he knows everything, he would simply reply, "I'm a Lawrence and we just know stuff."
He was a lot of things to many people. Some say he was their confidant, philosopher, joke teller, jokester, plumber, electrician, mechanic, house painter, handyman, doctor, lawyer and a patriot. He loved people and family and made friends easily. He was like an angel that walked among us and had an impact on everyone he met.
Kelly never met a stranger. After the initial "hello" you automatically fell in love with him, his infectious laugh and you loved being around him. If we could all be a fraction of the kind spirited person he was we'd all be better for it.
He loved sports and was an avid golfer, but cooking for family and friends was #1 in his heart. Friends and family's frequently stopped by for a delicious soul food meal, gumbo, barbecue, shrimp okra & tomatoes, oatmeal cookies, some good conversation and dominoes. He was always ready for company.
Kelly was preceded in death by one son who died at birth, his parents, Odessa and John Kelly Lawrence Sr., sisters, Diane V. Lawrence and Brenda Lawrence, and stepdad William "Bill" Ashton.
He leaves to mourn his wife, Maretha: sister, Gwendolyn (Patrick, deceased) Mouton; nephew, Chad Lawrence; a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews, cousins, friends, extended family and godchildren, Retta Alix, Shelby Foutz and Ashley Brooks. He will be missed by many, but always remembered in our hearts.
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