Lawrence Perry Morton

Lawrence Perry Morton affectionately known as "Larry", was born on September 13, 1959, to Lottie M. and the late Sylvester R. Morton in Trenton, New Jersey. His family and friends remained by his side until the end of his journey. He transitioned from this life with his daughter by his side at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA on February 24, 2026.

Lawrence was born and raised in Trenton, New Jersey (Edgewood Avenue) with his brothers and sister, whom he shared a very close relationships with, and he didn't take their love for him for granted. They shared a special bond, and he truly understood the mission of being a leader and protector. Lawrence was a loving, respectful and carefree person. He was encouraged by his parents to believe in himself to achieve his goals. He was very respectful and thankful for the love and support of his parents throughout his life and was grateful for their encouraging and reassuring words throughout his life.

Lawrence was educated in the Trenton Parochial school system: Our Lady of the Divine Shephard, Blessed Sacrament, and Notre Dame High School (Class of '77) where he excelled not only in academics, but he was dominant middle guard on the Fighting Irish football team (#53). In his senior year, he also achieved the High School All American Award of Distinction for the 76-77 school year. His domination as a defensive tackle in football led him to attend Cheyney University where he became part of the Wolfpack (#61). Lawrence was very proud to be a part of the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame High School and the Wolfpack of Cheyney University. He was employed at Quakerbridge Mall for many years, until his health did not allow him to continue his employment.

Lawrence was blessed with a daughter, Talesa Johnson, whom he deeply loved, cherished and spoiled rotten. They spent a lot of time together traveling to multiple places to attend many events including those in Maryland to visit friends and family. The times they spent together were very special to him and he enjoyed their special bond, especially spending time and bonding with his grandchildren on the trips. He loved spending time with his Edgewood Avenue brothers and sisters whenever they could get together. He always looked forward to spending time with his circle of friends (teammates of "the Wolfpack") during homecoming every year. Even when his health failed him, his teammates were there to pick him up and keep it moving to take part in the homecoming festivities. The game of football remained so much in his blood that he became a Youth football coach with his brother-friend Charles. His "brother-friend" Kenny said, "that's my dude". Sister-friend shared that "he walked me to a party when I was scared to go, and we danced and came back home, he was my "Lawrenciepooh" and my protector". Lawrence was a laid-back diehard Dolphin's fan who enjoyed watching his team as well as loving the game of football in general. Lawrence's best friend (Jean) has always been there through thick and thin, and remained a true friend and by his side to the end. Lawrence loved spending time with family at family events and catching up with family especially his sister-cousin who called him Velvet.

Lawrence embraced life and took it one day at a time. He believed in making connections no matter where it may have led him. He did not command or demand anything from anyone, he just believed that what was for him, would find its way to him or him to it. Lawrence was a man of few words, a light dancer on his feet, a daycare provider, a protector of many, and remained devoted to his family and close friends. He was very grateful and blessed for the friendships he made along his path and was thankful for God's footprints that helped carry him through life and keep him safe. He kept that dimpled big smile on his face even during his pain and suffering. Memories of his resilience, big smile, and kindness were often spoken during many conversations his sister had with many of his friends during his illness. Lawrence will be sorely missed by all who shared his path of life, and he will not be forgotten.

Lawrence was predeceased by his brother, Ronald Morton; and is survived by his daughter, Talesa Johnson; granddaughter, Aniyah Ingram; grandson, Ashton Johnson; mother, Lottie Morton; brother, Richard S. Morton; sisters, Patricia "Patt" Carter (Michael) of Maryland and Cynthia Tucker; "sister-cousin" Theresa Harrell-Watkins (Herbert); uncle, Robert Morton; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, brother/sister-friends of Edgewood Avenue family, Notre Dame High School family, Cheyney University family "Wolfpack", Dialysis family at Capital Health; and a devoted friend, Jean Peterson.