Vernest Rogers Lawrence

Sister Vernest Rogers Lawrence was 75, and departed this life Thursday March 16, in Marion County. 

Funeral services are scheduled to be held at the New Beginnings Temple of Praise on Saturday March 25 at 2:00 pm. She will be laid to rest at Devotion Gardens Cemetery. Services will be live-streamed on the Jackson & McGill Facebook Page.

~ Trustee Vernest Lawrence ~

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll; Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say, It is well; it is well with my soul.

Many desire to have their life well lived. A life where others can bear witness to contributions that have made a notable impact. A life where others can say that the world is a much better place now that you’ve passed this way. A well-lived life is one of remarkable character, impeccable integrity, spiritual responsibility and accountability, and a genuine love and care for people. Such was the life of Trustee Vernest Lawrence.

Vernest Lawrence was born the fourth of six children to the late Eastman and Gracie Lee Rogers. This blessed event occurred on June 5, 1947 in Horry County, South Carolina. As God would see fit Vernest departed this life on Thursday, March 16, 2023, peacefully in the home.

Vernest accepted Christ as her personal Lord and Savior at Mitchell-Sea Baptist Church, Greensea, SC. She also was a member of Promiseland Baptist Church, Newark, New Jersey, where she sang on the choir and Head of the Women’s department.  She joined the New Beginnings Temple of Praise in 2009 and served as a Trustee and Pastors’ Aide member until her health declined.

Betty Rowell [oldest sister] moved to New Jersey in March 1962. Vernest soon followed after graduating from Finklea High School, Finklea, South Carolina.  They were employed by Delux in Elizabeth, New Jersey. Dillon Beck, Hillside, New Jersey is where Vernest met and married the love of her life, the late Johnny Lawrence, Sr. From this union her one and only son, the late Johnny Lawrence, Jr. was born in Newark Beth Israel Hospital, Newark, New Jersey. Motherhood was her greatest joy.

Her next chapter goes on to include her dream job at Liberty Mutual Insurance Company, where she was employed for over 40 years. She found joy in meeting her lifelong friend Roger Phillips. Upon retirement from Liberty Mutual, she said goodbye to New Jersey and returned to South Carolina.

Vernest was preceded in death by her parents Eastman and Gracie Lee Rogers; her husband Johnny Lawrence, Sr.; her son Johnny Lawrence, Jr.; her brother Frank Rogers and one sister Joann Rogers.

Those left to continue her legacy and love; her granddaughter Janiyah Lawrence and one great-grandson Legacy, Marion, South Carolina; sisters Betty Rowell; Nona Faye Grate and Vivian Wilson all of Marion, South Carolina. A very Special Friend Roger Phillips, Newark, New Jersey; one sister-in-law Ruby Lee Rogers, Marion, South Carolina; one brother-in-law Charles Wilson, Hartsville, South Carolina and a host of other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

A Special “Thank You” to caregivers Mee Mee; Regency SouthernCare, Florence, South Carolina; and CenterWell Home Health, Marion, South Carolina.

Please adhere to all COVID-19 precautions and masks are required during visitation and funeral services.

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