Pastor Roland Leonard Lawrence

Pastor Roland L. Lawrence was born in Jacksonville, FL, on July 3, 1957, to Eddie Lawrence Sr. & Louise Lawrence. He graduated from Ribault Sr. High School in 1975 and furthered his education by attending the Baptist Minister's Alliance Seminary school for Ministry Preparation.

Roland was founder and Pastor of New Birth for over 30 years. He was also the Founder and President of First Choice Clean Up Contractors of Jax.

Roland was rooted in his love for family, ministry, and relationships in general. He consistently made it his mission to be there for everyone, no matter what. He would literally give the shirt off his back.

He later met and married Vernell Lawrence on November 29, 2014, whom he affectionately nicknamed "Sweet". The two of them continued to love and care for others.

He departed this life on August 21, 2025, and is preceded in death by his Father, Eddie Lawrence Sr., and Brother, Larry B. Lawrence.

He leaves to mourn his passing: Wife: Vernell Lawrence; Children: April, Jermaine, Roland Jr. (Lindsay), and Nikia; Bonus children, Ella, Jordan, John, Latashia, and LeZita; Grandchildren: Breion, Ta'Kierya, Ka'Maiya, Roland III, Keon, Jermaine Jr., Jeremiah, Daisia, London, Ethan, Elle and Eva; 9 Great Grand Children; Mother: Louise Lawrence; Siblings: Eddie Lawrence Jr., Janice Burch (Carl), Jacquelyn Lawrence, Alton Lawrence, Gregory Lawrence, and Cynthia Jackson (Willie); Aunts, Bernice Boles, Annie Bryant, Nannie Moore and Alberta Heck; Father In Law, R.L. Davis; Brother In Law, Pastor Darrin Davis (Terry); Sister In Law, Pastor Annie Hayes (Prennice), Mamie Davis and Lezita Davis; Spiritual

Godchild: Jackson Moody; Special Friend, Noah Jones; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and love ones.