On Friday June 16, 2017 at the golden age of 92, Irene Mattiebell Lawrence went home to be with the Lord quietly and peacefully while at Symphony of Glendale nursing home in Glendale, Wisconsin. Irene was born on August 7, 1924 in Chicago, Illinois, the daughter of the late Jacob Anderson and the late Bertha Taylor. She grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin where she attended Lincoln High School and later received her GED from MATC. Irene was employed with Harley Davidson; and The City of Milwaukee as a building maintenance worker, where she retired from in 1994.
Irene accepted Christ at the age of 20 at Greater Galilee Baptist Church of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She later became a member of Parklawn Assembly of God until her death.
Irene believed in family and friends and having fun with them. She loved her family and loved spending time with them. She was very outgoing and well liked. She also loved to read her bible, shopping, singing, watching television (Golden Girls), traveling, listening to gospel, jazz, and R&B music. She loved family gatherings and being with her family, and friends. She was an avid member of the several social clubs, including The Go-Getter’s, Elks Club, and The Eastern Stars.
On October 19, 1943 Irene was united in holy matrimony with Arthur H. Lawrence, who preceded her in death. From that union they had two children Brian and Rodney both of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Preceding her in death was lifelong partner Joseph R. Kelly. Together they had four children, Melvin, Brenda, Joseph and Toni, all of Milwaukee Wisconsin. Irene was also preceded in death by her father Jacob Anderson, her mother Bertha Anderson, three sisters Ethel Lee, Zelma Graham, and Bertha Kinnebrew, two brothers Fred Anderson and Theodore Anderson.
She leaves to cherish her memory her loving children, Brian L. Lawrence (Jackie), Rodney C. Lawrence, Melvin J. Lawrence (Annette), Brenda M. Lawrence-Gillum (Robert), Joseph R. Lawrence (Arles), Toni D. Wilder (Bobbie) and a half-sister Rose Collins. She further leaves to cherish her memory twenty two grandchildren, thirty three great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews and dear close friends.
The family would like to acknowledge Mable Johnson, Brenda McMurtry, Jean Ward, and Marie Whitlow, as close friends very special and dear to our mom. The family also acknowledges special longtime friends Carlene Lacking, Judy Benson and Pauline Townsend. The family would like to thank Symphony of Glendale nursing home for caring for our mother during the final stages of her life.
Visitation at Parklawn Assembly of God, 3725 North Sherman Boulevard in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on Tuesday, June 27, 2017 from 10:00 AM -11:00 AM. Funeral Service to follow at 11:00 AM. Interment Wisconsin Memorial Park.