Muriel "Mae" Lawrence

Muriel Jessamy “Mae” Lawrence, age 84, of High Point, NC went to be with her Lord on December 23, 2017 surrounded by her family.

Muriel was born to Dr. Cleveland L. and Janie Belle Redwine Jackson on August 9, 1933 in Radford, VA. She was the oldest of their two children.

In 1938, the family relocated to San Diego, CA where her father would begin a new medical practice. Mae, as she was affectionately known, attended Saint Peter Claver High School in San Antonio, TX and Talladega College in Alabama. In 1956, she received her Bachelors of Science in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from San Diego College for Women (University of San Diego). During college, Mae was known for her love of the sciences, makeup and bridge.

In 1963, Mae married the love of her life, Elton R. Lawrence, Sr., a navy petty officer first class. They raised their four children and resided for most of the time in Southeast San Diego. Mae’s love for the sciences led her to a career as a medical technologist, eventually retiring from Ludi Williams Clinical Laboratory. Upon retirement in 1998, she relocated to NC for a slower pace and easier way of life.

Mae sought a church home where she could learn the Bible, and joined Gethsemane Baptist Church of High Point. She participated in the Mixed Choir, Senior Missionaries, and Sunday School. She also spent much of her time volunteering at High Point Regional Hospital Cancer Center. Mae was also a very proud soror of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Mae, Ms. Mae, or Granna, as many call her, was known for her fun spirit and good conversation. She enjoyed movies, bridge, bingo, and socializing with family and friends, especially her “Golden Girls.” Her personality would light up a room and she could strike up a conversation with any stranger and learn their entire life in one sitting. She was a strong matriarch, a devoted mother, nurturing grandmother, and generous friend.

She is predeceased by her husband, parents, and her dear brother, William “Bill” Jackson.

Mae leaves to cherish her memories to four children: Leslie (Yomi) Lawrence Bolawa, Anthony Lawrence, Lois (Craig Hogan) Lawrence, Elton (Christy Finley) Lawrence, Jr.; six grandchildren, Amber (Kelmar) McCray, Elton Lawrence III, Monica (DeAndre) Martin, Shanel (Ebony Wright) Lawrence, Havanna Lawrence, and Skye Lawrence; two great-grandchildren, Makayla and DeAndre, Jr; and a host nieces, nephews, and godchildren.