Lawrence Charles Washington was the second of five children born to Robert Delano Washington, Sr. and Jearline Holmes Washington on November 22, 1944 in Richmond, California. After spending a few years in California, the family returned to Houston, Texas.
The couple divorced, and Jearline, with her five children, went to live with her parents, Ruben and Effie Holmes. Early on, Lawrence acquired an entrepreneurial spirit from his grandparents. Ruben stressed the importance of owning one's own business, while Effie operated a neighborhood grocery store in the front of their home in Trinity Gardens. Lawrence was raised in a spiritual home and became an active member of Carter's Temple C.M.E. Church.
Lawrence attended J.C. Sanderson Elementary School and Kashmere Gardens Jr./Sr. High School. While attending high school, Lawrence met and later married Gloria Jean Lee. Gloria's untimely death was one of Lawrence's greatest losses.
Lawrence had strong belief in family, home, and heritage. He was a devoted father of five children: Sherry, Lawrence Jr., Daniel Carl, Danielle Krishell, and Brandon Lawrence. Despite many obstacles, Lawrence worked tirelessly to provide for his children. Lawrence also gave a large part of his love and devotion to the leading lady of his life, his mother, Jearline. He showered her with gifts, his time, and all of his affection.
Lawrence met Lorena Doucet in 1980. As a result of this union a blended family was created. Upon the decline of Lawrence's health, Lorena and her three children, Lorraine, Leeandrew, and Leon, provided love and support until his death.
Lawrence was an entrepreneur and astute businessman. Businesses that he owned and operated included a service station, a night club, several car dealerships, and a limousine service. Lawrence also had an affinity for the finer things in life and knew the value of acquiring gold, diamonds, precious gemstones, and Rolex watches. Lawrence took pride in driving fine cars and wearing nice clothes. His everyday leisure suits were soon traded for denim jeans, fine white shirts, bolos, Stetson hats, and upscale, handmade Lucchese cowboy boots. He truly became "the urban cowboy".
Over the years, Lawrence made many acquaintances and friends, who became an integral part of his life--so many that they are too numerous to name them all.
The legacy of Lawrence Charles will be forever cherished and carried on through the lives of his wife, Lorena Washington. Children: Daniel Carl (late), Danielle(Gareth); Lawrence, Jr. (late) Sherry (late), and Brandon. Siblings: Delano (Rubystean); Evelyn, Elaine, Eugene (Marie); Marvin, Kenneth, Donald and Laura. Grandchildren: Daniel, Ashley, Tyra, Sydney, Theory, Twain, Beautiful, and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and close friends.
