Herbert Franklin Lawrence

Mr. Herbert Franklin Lawrence, 93, of Mount Airy, passed peacefully through the veil into eternal life surrounded by his wife and children. His honored request was to spend his last days, at home, with his loving and devoted wife and sweetheart of 70 plus years, without a hospital or life extending support and to die at Heavenly Father's own appointed time for him. That day was Easter Sunday, April 20, 2014.

He is survived by his eternal companion, Mary Elizabeth Lester Lawrence, three sons, two daughters and their spouses, forty-one grandchildren, one-hundred three-plus great-grandchildren, and seven-plus great-great-grandchildren.

Herbert Lawrence was born August 30, 1920, near Mount Airy (Mayberry), Surry County, the seventh of thirteen children born to the family and raised by Joseph Sanders Lawrence and Charity Ann Hiatt. His four brothers, Luther, Monroe, Wilford, and Denny and five of his sisters, Jennette, Delphia, Mary, Eva, and Romona preceded him. Three sisters, Dot, Gladys, and Margaret remain.

He was widely known as a good farmer, an early riser, a hard worker, a strict father, a good provider, and a generous man. He personified the two "greatest" Christian commandments. He loved God and everybody else.

He quit grade school during the "Great Depression" to help his father provide a family livelihood. Although he only made it to the fifth grade and never attended a full year of school, he required perfect attendance of his children. His posterity includes scores of college graduates, military officers and enlisted men and women, workers, business professionals, church missionaries, leaders and servers who have traveled, prospered, and influenced for good across the earth.

He often expressed his inadequacies, claimed to be a sinner more than once and ended his life as a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and an outspoken witness of the Divinity of the Savior of mankind. He wished to express his appreciation and love to all of his many friends and family members along with his regrets at leaving so much unfinished work behind.

They and any others who wish to do so may stop by the Lawrence family home at 2953 Westfield Road in Mount Airy, where his casket will lie-in-state during reasonable hours from 3:00 PM Tuesday afternoon until Thursday morning at 9:00 AM so that family, friends, and others may gather together, at their convenience, to share condolences. Overflow parking is available across the street from the residence at Shelton Church of the Brethren.

At his request and direction, there will be no "formal funeral" at his beloved Mormon Church or "public viewing" at his favorite Moody Mortuary. Instead, they will provide and conduct a procession from home to the Indian Grove Family Cemetery, located a couple of miles down the road, where a graveside service will be held in his honor and the sacred spot will be dedicated, beside his youngest son, Wayne, as the final resting place for his mortal remains. Family members wish to express his, together with their gratitude, to one and all who faithfully contribute to "Peace on earth... " and do good work.

Moody Funeral Services in Mount Airy is serving the family.