Duane Keith Lawrence

Duane Keith Lawrence, Sr.

May 26, 1973 – October 27, 2025

Duane Keith Lawrence, Sr. was born at Charity Hospital in New Orleans, Louisiana, on Saturday, May 26, 1973. He was 8lbs/15oz at birth and we all expected him to be a phenomenal athlete. As a child, he enjoyed sports and was an exceptional baseball player in the Little League. His other passion was wrestling, which he practiced on his sister when no one was watching.
Duane entered eternal rest on October 27, 2025.

In his early teens, his step-grandfather, affectionately known as Uncle Bill, asked him to join the Junior Masons. He willingly accepted and became the Master Mason of the group. He was very dedicated and served his position as a leader with great commitment.
Duane developed a love for music while attending Karr Junior High and eventually became the drum major. Because of his outstanding skills on the valved instruments, the band instructor selected him to participate in the city-wide band, wherein an album was produced from the live performance.
After graduating from Karr, he entered St. Augustine High School. He was very proud to become a "St. Aug. Man" and demonstrated a strong sense of pride as he wore the 'purple and gold'. He was a member of the band and because of his dedication he became the baritone section leader. He graduated from St. Augustine with the class of '91 and was accepted into Florida A & M University. As a freshman in college, he became a member of the Rattler Band, and once again, he became the baritone section leader. He later attended Southern University in Baton Rouge and Delgado Community College, but eventually enlisted in the Louisiana Air National Guard where he served until his untimely death. During his basic military training he was selected as the Squadron Leader. Duane was very quiet about his accomplishments but was dedicated to always doing his best no matter what the task. As time went on, he became more outgoing and dedicated to serving in the Louisiana Air National Guard. Eventually, he became a full-time guardsman and proudly served on missions both state-side and abroad. He was among the soldiers who were deployed to Turkey during 9/ll. By then, he had a son, Duane, Jr., who became the apple of his eye. Proverbs 22:6 says, "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it".
At an early age, Duane was led to accept Christ as his Savior. He had a strong relationship with the Lord and stayed connected to his grandfather, Edward Lawrence, who imparted Godly wisdom to him and his best friend, Furnell, during their Sunday visits.

Duane met his wife (Glenika) in 2002 while serving in the Louisiana Air National Guard together. The two remained acquaintances for many years. In 2017, a mutual friend (Kevin Mitchell) reintroduced the two and a friendship began. They were truly twin flames, sharing the same views of love, life, and ministry. In 2018, they began dating with a mission to truly enjoy a Godly life together. By 2021, they were head over heels in love and became engaged. On April 15, 2022, the two became husband and wife during a private ceremony at the Temple of Praise Ministries. The couple shared 3 ½ truly joyful years of the deepest love, happiest marriage and truest partnership ever. Not only were they partners in life, but they were also partners in ministry, serving at the Temple of Praise Ministries as directors of the Media/Video/Audio Team and the Marriage Ministry.

Duane departed this life during the prime of his life. He was the most laidback person you could ever meet, earning the name gentle giant from most. He truly enjoyed giving advice to anyone in need. He loved spending time with family and friends, especially his wife. The two were able to travel abroad to several states and countries during their short union. We are all deeply saddened by Duane's early departure from this earth. However, we find comfort in knowing spiritually, he is now resting in the arms of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Duane leaves to cherish his memories, his Wife: Glenika Paul Lawrence; Sons: Duane Lawrence, Jr. and Eddie Dollis, III; Daughters: Timielle Allen, Jontue' McNair (Darryl, Jr.), and Endya and Emyni Dollis; grandchildren: Ty'leigh Mathieu, Lorielle Alexander, D'Nyhi Hemphill, Lian Jones, Royce-Olivia Allen, and Darryl, III and Juel McNair; Mother: Patricia L. Jefferson (David); Father: Reginald Thompson; Stepfather: Everett Stewart; Father and Mother-in-law: Glenn and Karen Paul; Grandmother-in-law: Eyvonne Morris; Sister: Kimberly Stewart; Sister-in-law: Glenyell Mundy (Jamal); Stepsister: Chrystal Jefferson; Stepbrothers: Russell and Richard Jefferson, and Neil Harewood; Godmother: Zelia Butler; Godfather: Welton Lawrence; Godchildren: Vincent Manuel, Furnell Daniel, Jr., and Gabriella Daniel; a host of uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, and cousins; and best friend: Furnell Daniel.

He was preceded in death by his Grandparents: Edward Lawrence, Elouise Thompson Lawrence, Ella Thompson Ford, Bill Ford, Willie Delaney, and Florence Delaney, and his Brother: Von Raymond Jefferson.

Friends and family are invited to the funeral service on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 10:00 AM, at White Dove Church, 3600 Manhattan Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058.
Pastor Nelson Dexter, Jr. will officiate.
The Visitation will be from 9:00 AM until the time of service.
The Interment will take place on Monday, November 17, 2025, at 1:30 PM, at SE LA Veterans Cemetery, 34888 Grantham College Drive, Slidell, LA 70460.
Military Honors will be awarded to Msgt. Duane Keith Lawrence, Sr.

Professional Arrangements are entrusted to Murray Henderson Funeral Home, 1209 Teche Street, New Orleans, LA 70114.