Joseph Thomas Lawrence, 81, of Valley Lee, MD., departed this life on July 3, 2012 after a courageous battle with cancer, at Hospice of St. Mary’s, Callaway, MD., surrounded by his loving family.
Visitation will be on Tuesday, July 10, 2012 from 9:30 am until Mass of Christian Burial at 11 am at St. George’s Catholic Church, 19199 St. George’s Church Road, Valley Lee, MD. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.
Joseph was born in Leonardtown, MD. on March 21, 1931 to the late Walter and Charity Mason Lawrence. He received his education in the St. Mary’s County Public School System. Joseph served in the United States Army from 1951 to 1953. He was honorably discharged from the Reserve in 1961. After his military career ended, he began working at Public Works Department of Transportation at the Naval Air Station, Patuxent River, MD. Joseph worked at Public Works for 34 years before retiring in 1986.
In 1953, Joseph married the late Annie Berry Lawrence and from this union, they were blessed with nine children. He was a loving father, grandfather, uncle, brother and a friend to all who knew him. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and watching football. Joseph was an avid Washington Redskin fan. He also loved spending time with his family at family gatherings. Joseph adored his grandchildren and great-grandchildren; he loved and cherished them all.
Joseph was preceded in death by his parents Walter and Charity Lawrence; two daughters, Ann Marie Maddox and Caroline Lawrence; and two sisters, Jeanette Dyson and Catherine Cutchember.
Joseph leaves to cherish his memories his children, Leo Mugg of Lexington Park, MD, Joseph Berry, Jr., of Leonardtown, MD., Joann, Lucille and Irving Lawrence of Valley Lee, MD., Shirley Foote (Teddy) of Great Mills, MD., and Bernice Mackall (James) of Lusby, MD.; one sister, Irene Gross of Piney Point, MD., thirteen grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren; two special nieces, Gloria Church and Genevieve Berry (who was like a sister); two son-in-laws, Vernon Maddox and James Mackall and a special son-in-law, Teddy Foote; four sister-in-laws, five brother-in-laws; a friend, Yvonne Maddox and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and many close relatives and friends.
Joe welcomed everyone and many of us have gathered in the Lawrence yard enjoying Joe’s company and yours. He was a loving man and how he displayed his love for his family. We will truly miss him.
My condolence goes out to the Lawrence family. My God continue to bless all of you during this troublesome time.
I can clearly remember all my childhood days spent with “Pop Pop” Joe. It’s like my brother and I as well as all our friends grew up in the loving home he provided. Those memories will last a lifetime just like Pop Pops warm loving smile. Sending out prayers and blessings out to the entire Lawrence family. God’s Mercy has fallen upon all of you.