Delilah (Terry) Lawrence

There is no one like Delilah Lawrence, affectionately known as Ms. Lye, Lila-girl, Watkin, and Sweet Aunt Delilah. She was an extraordinarily beautiful and a graceful force to be reckoned with, impacting all who knew her.

Delilah was born January 5, 1932 in Raeford, North Carolina to the union of Willie and Olivia Shaw. She was a graduate of Upchurch High School in Raeford, NC where she was an avid basketball player. In 1955, she relocated to Queens, NY where she was employed as a toy maker at the Ideal Toy Factory, Inc.

In 1957, Delilah married the love of her life, Jack Elbert Lawrence. They migrated to Michigan and purchased a home. To this union, two beautiful little girls were born, Demetria Kim and Felicia Ann.

Delilah was a strong and courageous woman of faith. She professed Jesus Christ at an early age and was a member of the Friendship Baptist House of Prayer in Lansing, Michigan under the leadership of the late Pastor David Ford. She was faithful until her health declined prohibiting her attendance. She was a member of several church Missionary Circles and Mother’s Boards. She loved serving God through these axillaries. She and her husband Jack were Charter members of the Lansing Couples Club where they enjoyed picnicking, boating and community service.

Delilah took pride in her appearance. She loved shopping at the malls and wearing beautiful clothing particularly, embellished suits with matching hats, purses and shoes. She loved going to Detroit with her niece to purchase one-of-a-kind “Sunday Best” apparel. She would say out loud right there in the store “child ain’t nobody in Lansing gonna have this dress!”

She extended her heart to everyone she met. She was full of grace, beauty and wise counsel. Her family was the center of her world.

Delilah closed her eyes and peacefully went into the presence of the Lord on September 18, 2021. She was preceded in death by: her husband, Jack E. Lawrence; her daughter, Demetria Kim Lawrence; one grandson, Baby Curt D. Reed, Jr.; her parents, Willie and Olivia Shaw; and sisters, Lauretha Rogers and Margaret Smith.

She leaves to cherish her memory and legacy: her devoted daughter and caregiver, Felicia Ann Lawrence of Lansing, MI; her sister, Gloria Virgil of Raeford, NC; three special nieces, Debra (David) Purcell of Raeford, NC, Sharon Lawrence and Shirley (Curtis) Smith both of Lansing, MI; Special friends, Ms. Reatha Hardiman of Raeford, NC, Ms. Jimmie Jones of Spartanburg, SC, Ms. Wilmer Lawrence of Raeford, NC, Mr. Tom (Sharon) Marshall, and Mrs. RoSharon (Charles) Thomas all of Lansing, MI. Special thanks to caregivers, Ms. Lavida Allen and Ms. Ashley Fischer of Lansing, MI; and a host of relatives, nieces, nephews and friends.

Arrangements for Mrs. Lawrence are as follows:

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SERVICES
Visitation

Wednesday, September 29, 2021
3:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Riley Funeral Home
426 West St Joseph Street
Lansing, Michigan 48933-2222Get Directions on Google MapsFamily Hour

Wednesday, September 29, 2021
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Riley Funeral Home
426 West St Joseph Street
Lansing, Michigan 48933-2222Get Directions on Google MapsFuneral Service

Thursday, September 30, 2021
11:00 AM

Friendship House of Prayer Baptist Church
4301 S Waverly Road
Lansing, MI 48911Get Directions on Google MapsInterment

Thursday, September 30, 2021
12:30 PM

Evergreen Cemetery
1709 E. Mt. Hope
Lansing, MI 48910Get Directions on Google Maps

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Delilah (Terry) Lawrence, please visit our floral store.