Freeman D. Lawrence

1918 - 2013

Freeman Delano Lawrence

Freeman Delano Lawrence, 95, died Tuesday, December 23, 2013 in Tallahassee, FL. Freeman Delano Lawrence' s journey to become one of God's best servants began in Chaires, Florida, as one of eleven children born to the late Solomon and Isabella Lawrence on August 20, 1918. Mr. Lawrence would often tell stories of hard farm labor and of observing his parents serve others in the labor of love. Those experiences provided the impetus for a lifetime spent working hard to make a difference in the community in which he lived.

He graduated from the original Lincoln High School in 1938, after which he enrolled at Florida A & M College where he matriculated for two years. Although his 1941 draft into the U.S. Army interrupted his education, his goal was to someday return to Florida A & M College to complete his degree. Mr. Lawrence served his nation abroad in both the European and Pacific theaters (France and the Philippines) thus, he received an honorary discharge in 1945 as a Master Sergeant. Following World War II, Lawrence returned to his war bride, Thelma Gaines Lawrence in Tallahassee, FL. They were married February 6, 1943. He returned to Florida A & M College and resumed his educational goal. In 1947, Lawrence earned the Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture and a Master's degree in Administration and Supervision in 1953. In 1948, Freeman and Thelma Lawrence commenced their Christian life together and became members of Bethel African Methodist and Episcopal Church. During all of his educational matriculation, he never lost vision of being a servant to his church, community and family.

Upon his 1947 graduation, Mr. Lawrence accepted a teaching position at both Live Oak and Quincy FL for two years each. In 1951, Lawrence finally returned to Leon County as principal and instructor at Barrow Hill Elementary/Junior High School. After much success there, Mr. Lawrence was promoted to Assistant Principal at the original Lincoln High School and subsequently to principal in 1957, a position he would hold until 1969. Further, he served at the helm of both Griffin and Nims Middle Schools and assistant principal of Leon High School. Prior to retirement, his final appointment was Director of Pupil Personnel Services for Leon County Schools.

He adored his life partner in marriage a devoted and doting wife of 70 years. Together they would support one another in their every endeavor and every interest. Most importantly, they would provide invaluable instruction and godly counsel to a host of nieces, nephew, friends and young couples. Lawrence's leadership and service extended beyond the school system. He held membership in numerous civic and social organizations which included: Life member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.; Frontiers International; Leon County Teacher's Association, Suwanee Area Boys Scouts of America; Urban League; FAMU Boosters; Urban League; NAACP; Veterans of Foreign Wars; Alex H. Walden Lodge #56 Knights of Pythias and former member of Chaires Masonic Lodge #259.

Freeman Lawrence was well received in all circles, primarily because he loved his fellowman. Those who made his acquaintance or benefited from his outpouring of love never forgot his unsolicited kindness.

Funeral services will be 11 AM, Tuesday, December 31 at Bethel A.M.E. Church with burial at Culley's Meadowwood Memorial Park. Wake service will be 6 PM, Monday, December 30 at Bethel A.M.E. Church. Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Omega Service will follow at 7:30 PM.