at Passages Hospice Sanctuary. Lois was a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana Lois was born
on October 13, 1933 in New Orleans, Louisiana to the late Clemence Carlos and Marie Carlos
Matthews. She graduated from Xavier University Preparatory School in 1952 and later earned a
degree in Religious Studies from Loyola University of New Orleans. She married the late
Joseph John Lawrence, Jr. in 1953. Lois worked at AT&T and retired after 27 years of service.
She was a lifelong, active member of Our Lady of Guadalupe International Shrine of St. Jude
where she served as Director of its Community Center for 14 years and as their Director of
Religious Education for 34 years. Lois was very active in several organizations and committees
throughout her lifetime including the Knights of Peter Claver where she was Grand Lady, The
New Orleans Creole Fiesta Association and The Krewe of Rameses Club where she was a
Charter member and the club’s Sergeant at Arms, she also reigned as the Krewe’s High
Priestess of Thebes at their 16th Biennial Ball. Lois was also a member of the City Planning
Commission of New Orleans. One of her greatest accomplishments was being awarded the
Order of St. Louis IX Medallion for having devoted herself to the work of the Catholic Church
throughout the Archdiocese of New Orleans along with contributing her Christ-like service to the
church. Lois enjoyed traveling and had an immense love for the opera. She was a very kind and
gentle soul, with a loving and giving heart, always giving to others.
She was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 46 years, Joseph John Lawrence, Jr., her
parents, Clemence Carlos and Marie Carlos Matthews, and her son Joseph John Lawrence, III.
She leaves behind her loving memories to be cherished by her children, Michael Lawrence, Sr.,
Stephanie Berry (Gregory), Nicole Ferrier (Horace), Michelle Blackmon (Wade), Christopher
Lawrence, Pierre Lawrence, Sr., Jeffrey Lawrence (Dina), and Daphne Lawrence; ten
Grandchildren, Michael Lawrence, Jr., Jason Ferrier (Margie), Njeri Fulwood (Burnie), Monique
Jackson (Mykee) Jade Blackmon, Christina Conway (Carlos), Evyn Stewart, Marc Berry, Pierre
Lawrence, Jr., and Brandon Lawrence; 13 great-grandchildren; a devoted daughter-in-law,
Phillippa Lawrence-Knox and devoted friends Yvonne Almeida, William Zapalac and a host of
Family and friends.
There will be a private burial for family only. A Mass and Celebration of Life and will be held
at a later date for family and friends at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church & International Shrine of
St. Jude. Arrangements entrusted to Leitz-Eagan.
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