Rev. Lawrence C. Pannell

Rev. Lawrence “Larry” Curtis Pannell of Philadelphia, PA peacefully transition to eternal life on December 28,2022. He was born to the late Wilson W and Gertrude Louise Pannell in Baltimore Md. on October 12,1939. Lawrence was the youngest child of five. He was preceded in death by his four brothers Robert, Ernest, William, and George Pannell.

Lawrence attended Dunbar High School in Baltimore but left before graduating. Lawrence was married to the late Brenda Jenkins and from this union four children were born, Lamont, Lawrence Quinton, Trivette Dana and Curtis Garland Pannell.

Lawrence employment included delivering newspapers, working in environmental service for Pennsylvania Hospital and working for the United States Postal Service as a Letter Carrier for 33 years. “God had a plan”

Lawrence life took many directions over the years some good, some bad, but on March 27,1968 he accepted the call to be a servant of God, he was baptized and began his walk with the Lord under the guidance of a good friend the late Brother Joseph Gaskins at Fellowship Bible church.

As Lawrence continued his journey he met, fell in love with and married his wife of 37 years Sharon McPhee on July 20th, 1985,this union added two daughters Tacita and Kira, two foster sons Granger and Justin and 2 God daughters Tamisha and Tacira to his life. Lawrence was a great provider, father, husband, and friend. He enjoyed life, he loved to make you laugh, and was that shoulder when you cried.

Lawrence along with his family joined Second Baptist Church of Wayne. Pa. In 1985 under the late Rev Dr. Raymond Thomas,Pastor whom he had met at Manna Bible Institute. Pastor Thomas saw his Love for the Lord and quickly took him under his wing. Lawrence was ordained as a minister in 1986 at Second Baptist Church.  Lawrence became the outreach minister at the church a position he loved because it gave him another opportunity to spread the gospel.

Lawrence was eager to learn more about the Lord despite not finishing his formal education he enrolled into Manna Bible Institute and graduate May 25th, 1987 “Look at God” he also went on to attend Philadelphia College of the Bible. He taught at the Bethlehem School of the Bible and eventually became the Dean. In 1989 Lawrence was elevated to Associate Minister to the late Dr. Raymond Thomas. He also served as Chaplain for the BJ Holley Missionaries of Second Baptist Church. Lawrence was a noted preacher for many of pulpits throughout Philadelphia and the Mainline.

God’s Plan: He gave Lawrence a testimony that he shared with anyone who  listen, He took him through the trenches so he could relate to life good and bad ( to know him was to know his story/ testimony), He gave him a job where he could spread the gospel every day for 33 years, we ordered a whole lot of Tracts, He educated him so he could clearly and concisely give the doctrine of Christ, He placed him in the ministries  where he shared the word with young, old, rich or homeless.

Lawrence Praised God in his own way and didn’t mind asking you to hold his mule!!! To God Be The Glory!!!!

Lawrence loved family, friends, food, and fun.

He leaves to mourn, his wife of 37 year Sharon Pannell, Sons: Lamont, Lawrence Q(Rita), Curtis(Ashley)of Philadelphia Pa,  Daughters: Trivette Dana of Philadelphia, PA, Tacita Carter of South Carolina, Kira Carter, of Philadelphia, PA, Granddaughters: Shawna, Tia, NaShanti, Mira, Tayla, of Philadelphia, PA, Grandsons: Paul, Lamar, Christopher, Curtis, Joseph, Khai, Tarvis, Soreall and Lawrence C. Pannell II of Philadelphia, PA Great grands: Emily, Brandon, Trey Quan, and so many more, 2 foster sons Granger Simmons of Finland and Justin Simmons of Philadelphia., PA. Goddaughters: Tamisha Lewis, Tacira Lewis of Philadelphia, PA. A spiritual sister Kim Waller. A host of nieces, nephews, a bountiful abundance of friends.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Second Baptist Church, Wayne PA. (General Fund)