Owen Vancroft Lawrence

Obituary for Owen Vancroft Lawrence

Owen Vancroft Lawrence was born on February 3rd 1947 in Compton, St. Elizabeth, Jamaica west Indies. He spent his early years in Jamaica, where he developed the values and strength that guided him throughout his life.

In early 1989, Owen relocated to Boston, Massachusetts , beginning a new chapter marked by resilience, hard work, and dedication to building a life for himself and those he loved. He carried with him a deep connection to his roots and remained proud of his Jamaican roots while embracing his second home here in Massachusetts. Friends address him as Owen from Boston, Owen will be remembered for his quiet strength, perseverance, and the impact he made on the lives of those who knew him. His memory will live on, through

family, friends, and all who were touched by his life.

Owen was employed for many years at the Bread and Circus commissary, where he was known as dedicated and reliable worker. through his work and daily life, he demonstrated a quiet strength, commitment, and pride in providing for himself and his loved ones.

After a long illness, Owen departed this life on January 20th at the Laurel Ridge Rehabilitation Center. though he left us in the physical, his memory and legacy live on in the heart of family, friends, and all who knew him.

Owen is survived by his loving wife, Noceta Lawrence; his children, Gail Lawrence Watson and Burnett, Thandeka Lawrence, Jeremy Lawrence; and a stepson Howard Nicholas.

He also leaves his cherished grandchildren; Chrisana Watson, Khamal Watson, London Lawrence, Wesley Lawrence, and Adrian Vancroft Williams.

He is mourned by his siblings; Mazelyn Barnswell, Veona Emanuel and her husband Count Owen, Veronica Gayle and her husband Elgar, Elsa Salmon and her husband Rod, Helena Lawrence and her partner Stuart, Volda Officer and Evrol, Herbert Lawrence and his wife Gwen.

Nieces and Nephews; Sharon IP, Jacqui James, Judi Dyke, Michelle Hauck, Mishka Samuels, Marie Salmon, Wayne Salmon, Bryan Lee, Vaughn Lee, Gary Lee, George Rerrie, Tamika Officer, Nicole Lawrence, Andrew Lawrence. He also leaves behind many grand-nieces and nephews, and one great grand nephew.

Just like his father Stanley Lawrence who wrote fun, catchy songs on his guitar, Jakel also had a deep love for music and was to his core, a storyteller and entertainer. He sang and played his little blue guitar with joy and love, not just for himself, but sharing his unique gifts with his residence mates and the thoughtful staff at Laurel Ridge Rehabilitation center.

Whether they were right there by his bedside or hundreds of miles away in various cities around the world, Jakel helped to provide strength and healing to his family even until the end--singing with us, praying with us, telling his signature jokes and stories, all while reminding us that he was getting ready to say goodbye.

Miraculously, Jakel remained mentally, emotionally and spiritually strong, even while his body was shutting down. The depth of My Uncle Joeychul's, to others; "Jim Jakel from Boston" and others; Spouse, Daddy, grandpa life is filled with so many personal stories that paints a picture of a life well lived.

A funeral service will be held Saturday, February 7, at Christ Church Unity, 70 Colchester Street, BROOKLINE at 11:00 AM.

Visitation at the church prior to the funeral service 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM. Friends and family invited.

Services

7 Feb

Visiting Hours

09:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Christ Church Unity 70 Colchester Street Brookline, MA Get Directions »
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7 Feb

Funeral Service

11:00 AM

Christ Church Unity 70 Colchester Street Brookline, MA Get Directions »
Text
Email
Google Maps
by Obituary Assistant