Dawn Elaine Lawrence

Dawn Elaine Bates Lawrence was born on January 27, 1943, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, to Thelma Newcomer Bates and Frank Edward Bates. Dawn graduated from Manheim High School in 1961 before attending Baylor Nursing School in Dallas, Texas, where she completed her nursing education. She began her career as a nurse at the Devereux Home for Children.

In April 1967, Dawn met the love of her life, Albert Sumner Lawrence. They married on April 20, 1968, and shared more than 58 years of marriage marked by faith, devotion, and service. Together they raised four children: David, Ronald, Kevin, and Christin. Their journey took them from Pennsylvania to Minnesota and ultimately to Houston, where Al served as Rector of Ascension Episcopal Church for 21 years. Dawn faithfully served alongside him, welcoming parishioners, organizing ministries, coordinating pilgrimages to the Holy Land, and quietly touching countless lives.

Her Christian faith was the foundation of her life. She was active in the Order of the Daughters of the King, Cursillo, and numerous prayer ministries. She also enjoyed gardening, genealogy, and photography, but her greatest joy was her family.

Dawn is survived by her beloved husband, Albert; her children David (Penny), Ronald (Karen), Kevin (Sarah), and Christin (John); twelve grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Dawn's Life Saturday, July 11, 2026 10:00 a.m. Ascension Episcopal Church 2525 Seagler Road Houston, Texas 77042 with a Reception to follow in the Parish Hall. A Committal Service will take place at Forest Park, The Woodlands Funeral Home & Cemetery, 18000 Interstate 45 S The Woodlands, Texas 77384 on July 11, 2026, from 3:00 pm to 3:45 pm.

“To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.” — 2 Corinthians 5:8