Lawrence C. Williams

Lawrence Curtis Williams

November 17th, 1929 – September 4th, 2016

Lawrence was born November 17th, 1929 in Marshall, Texas. He was raised in Marshall and Jefferson, Texas and graduated at the age of 16 from Central High School (Jefferson, TX) in 1947. Lawrence Graduated from Jarvis Christian College (Jarvis, TX) in 1950 with a BS in Biology. He taught high school for a short time in Malakoff before being drafted into the military. Lawrence served as an army administrator in Japan during the Korean War. After being discharged from the military he settled in northern California where his mother, sister and brother resided. Lawrence continued to pursue his career in education at UC Berkley and Chapman University and obtained a college teaching certificate. He then went on to teach courses at the Monterey Community College District. Lawrence also developed and instituted a program for phlebotomists to help low-income students gain employment. Lawrence created a sickle cell anemia research foundation through Drew Medical Neighborhood Health Clinic, Stanford University and the Department of Health at UC Berkley. Lawrence was also employed by California’s Department of Corrections in education and administration. After relocating to Texas, he became a counselor for Texas Youth Commission and retired in 2008. Lawrence had a deep passion for boating and introduced the activity to the delta inner city youth. He was one of the original founders of the Ebony Boating Club, which is still active to this day in northern California.

In 1960 Lawrence married Myrna Loy Pilot in Dallas, Texas. They were married for 55 plus years. Lawrence is survived by his wife Myrna of Melissa, Texas, daughter Laurie Williams of Antioch, California, son Lawrence Williams II of Melissa, Texas, granddaughter Tasia Johnson of Plano, Texas, grandson Oliver Jennings of Oakland, California, granddaughter Kirstyn Brown of Santa Cruz, California, great-grandson Jayden Banda of Plano, Texas and host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends

Lawrence was preceded in death by his parents Sadie and George Williams Sr., brother George Williams II and sister Edith Beverly.

A memorial service will be held at DFW Veterans Cemetery

2000 Mountain Creek Parkway Dallas, TX

Afterwards the family will be greeting relatives at a private gathering.