Lawrence Jerome Somerville, Sr. (Pap) of Leonardtown Maryland, passed away peacefully on February 4, 2023, at his residence, surrounded by his loving family. Pap was born and raised in St Mary’s County, Maryland to the late James and Mary Coates Somerville. He obtained his education at the Budds Creek Two Room School House, in Budds Creek Maryland, during a time of segregation and racial inequality. But, through it all, he survived the hard knocks, challenges, and adversities as it is proven by his blessed ninety years of longevity here on this earth.
Pap was the kind of man that loved to tell stories and reminisce about the good ole days. He always shared a piece of history and had a great story for you. He was very knowledgeable about so many things and his sense of memory was unbelievable. His death leaves us with so many fond memories, however, there is a lot of untold history that this bright and intelligent ninety-year-old Gentleman took to Heaven with him.
Reflecting on Pap’s lifelong history growing up in Hurry, Maryland, and other areas of St. Mary’s County, he leaves a legacy of wonderful and adventurous memories. His life was filled with lots of laughter, fun, good times, joy, and pain. People would always address him as “Pap Somerville”. It was very rare that he was called by any other name growing up; and even today, ninety years strong, he will be most remembered as “Pap Somerville”.
Pap was a very well-liked man in this County and beyond. He had a heart of gold and treated people fairly with respect and decency. Pap, was a humble man who cared for everyone the same and never felt himself as being above or better than anyone.
His legacy of driving people back and forth to where they needed to go, extends way beyond his early days during his teenage years. He continued right up until his late eighties, to give people a ride to where they needed to go. Most of the Amish Community can attest to this as he drove them around often. Pap would often tell us that he had a bit more “Spunk” than some of them and that is why he could do it. In actuality and by the grace of God he did have little bit more “Spunk”.
Pap worked many years in the Southern Maryland Tobacco Fields and various Construction Companies where he enjoyed helping to build bridges and roads throughout Maryland, District of Columbia, and Virginia. He worked with the Anchor Van Lines Trucking Company and his most recent employment was as a Building Maintenance Worker, until his retirement in 2017. He had great work ethic and punctuality.
Pap was a great Father to his children and a great Husband to his wife Ella of nineteen wonderful years. We are so grateful to have had him with us for so long. He will be truly missed! Fly High Brother Pap! We will meet you on the other side of eternity one day.
Pap, leaves to cherish his wonderful memories to his beloved wife; Ella, one surviving sibling, Dorothy “Dottie” Barnes, his children, Linda Somerville, Janice Jones, Lawrence (Shug) Somerville, Jr, Lisa Thomas, Kerry Somerville, Wanda Smith, Rena Bannister, and Marvin Somerville. Grandchildren, Angela, Deneta, Ramon, Ashley, Angel, Shavonna, Brandon and Trey Somerville, Devon and Dion Dyson, and James “JW” Smith. and twenty Great-Grandchildren.
He also leaves to cherish his memories to his beloved “Bonus” Children: Debra Somerville, Donna (John) Maddox, James “Bubba” (Brenda), Wendell, and Brian Carter.
Daughters-in-Law: Kelli & Alecta Somerville and Son-In-Law Alfred Thomas.
Sisters-in-Law: Pearl Greene, Arthurlee Mills, Joyce, and Theresa Somerville and one Brother-in-Law James “Jimmy” Mills, and a host of nephews, nieces, and other relatives.
Pap was pre-deceased in death by his parents, James and Mary Somerville, his first wife Louise Mills Somerville, son John Thomas Somerville, sons-in-law Joseph “Cornell” Jones and George Bannister, grandson Sean Somerville and siblings: Big Boy, William, John Edward, Sylvester, and Lindwood “Tootnie” Somerville, Richard “Blue” Nelson, Magdelyn Somerville, and Ernestine Barnes.
Family and friends will unite on Friday, February 17, 2023 for visitation from 9:30 am – 11:00 am; service from 11:00 am – 12:30 pm at Gospel Tabernacle of Prayer Church, 24516 Budds Creek Road, Clements, MD 20624. Interment to follow at Sacred Heart Church cemetery, Bushwood, MD 20618.
Offer Condolence for the family of LAWRENCE JEROME SOMERVILLE, SR.
Condolences to you and your family.
My condolences to the family
Sending my heartfelt condolences during this difficult time. Continue to hold to God’s unchanging hands. 2 Corinthians 5:8
Sorry for your lost
I met him through his kids!
Rest in Peace
Lana Baker
My Condolences To Uncle Pap’s Families Somerville And Carter Family’s May God Bless And Comfort Y’all In This Time Of Sorrow. Uncle Pap Was A Beautiful Man That Would Do All He Can For Anyone Surely He Will Be Miss Thank God For His Blessings With Him For 90yrs. Rest In Paradise Lawrence Jerome Somerville Aka Uncle Pap ❤️
My Condolences To Uncle Pap And He’s Families, Somerville And Carter Family Uncle Pap Was A Beautiful And Smart Guy That Would Do All He Can For Anyone Thank You God For Blessing Us With Him For 90yrs. Love You Uncle Pap And You Will Forever Be In My Heart Gone But Never Forgotten Rest In Paradise ❤️
Uncle Pap,
My sincere condolences to my Somerville family. Uncle Pap you were golden in all of your ways. Stayed sharp, head to toe. You will be missed. I’m so grateful to have had you as my Uncle. Gone and NEVER forgotten. Rest in paradise. ❤️
Janine Somerville
My prayers and thoughts to the Somerville and Carter Family
My condolences to you Ella and to your family. I always enjoyed our chats about our spouses and families. May Mr. Somerville rest in peace.
To The Family of Mr. Lawrence Somerville
We are sorry about your loss Sister-in-law. He will be dearly missed by the family. Our prayers and condolences go out to you and the family. May he rest in peace with the Lord. May God grant the family peace and comfort through this sorrowful time.
My prayers are with the Somerville and Carter family, my uncle was a great man. Uncle Pap you will truly be miss. Love you RIH.
To my Somerville and Carter Families, We lost a good one. Pap will definitely be missed. Very caring and did anything for a lot of people. Always willing and able to help when he could. Cherish all the good memories and he will forever be in your Heart. ❤️
To all the Somervilles: Our prayers are with you and the family. Pap was a dear friend, wonderful gentleman, a hard worker, and a loving person to his family and friends. He always went the extra mile. He was our maintenance and building supervisor for many years at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. No job was too small or too big for him. He was always positive and polite.
We will miss him dearly and know that he is in peace and out of pain. RIP Love Chris and Newt Lennox
May God wrap his arms around the Somerville and Carter family and give you peace. We love you all and are so blessed to have known Lawrence. Love always,
Linda and family sorry for your loss. May Mr.Somerville R.I.P .
Florarine
To my Somerville Family & the Carter family
My prayers are with all of you. From the first time I met my Uncle Pap, he was always so kind to me. He was an awesome Father and one heck of a man. I love all the stories you guys have shared with me and look forward to hearing more. May God continue to keep and bless you all. Always remember, “earth has no sorrow, that heaven cannot heal”.
Love you all,
Caroline
My prays are with my family, from Tonja and family.