Elizabeth Ann Lawrence

Elizabeth Abernathy Lawrence, age 81, of Anna, Illinois died 3:35 AM on Monday November 7, 2016 in Jackson, Missouri. Elizabeth was born on April 25, 1935 in Paris, TN to Willie J. Rufus Abernathy and Macy Pearl Ownby Abernathy. Unusual for the time, Elizabeth and her two younger sisters were delivered at home by a female physician. When Elizabeth was 7 the family moved to Jackson, TN. She graduated from Jackson High School and started working for Southern Bell as an operator. Elizabeth’s sister and H.C.’s mother lived in the same duplex in Tamms, IL. They conspired to introduce the couple. H.C. always said he would never forget Elizabeth’s short-shorts at the picnic where they were introduced. H.C. and Elizabeth were married about a year later on July 23, 1954. After they were married, Elizabeth continued to work at Southern Bell while H.C. attended Trevecca Nazarene College. After her 3rd child was born, Elizabeth started nursing school. She completed her classes to become a nurse but was injured in a head on collision with a drunk driver. Elizabeth’s desire to become a nurse drove her to enroll in nursing school again when her youngest son started college. She was finally able to become a Registered Nurse as she desired. Elizabeth enjoyed working at nursing homes. When the Illinois Veterans Home in Anna was turned over to a private company, she was instrumental in forcing the State of Illinois to regain control of the home due to the company’s treatment of the Veterans. Survivors include 5 children, Jack (Beverly) Lawrence, Julia “Jill” (Timothy) Halterman, James Clayton “J.C.” (Mary) Lawrence, Joseph Lawrence, and Jonathan (Sherri) Lawrence; 10 grandchildren, Nicole, Whitney, Abraham, Jacob, Teresa, Tony, David, Julia, Christie, and Leslie; 18 great grandchildren; and 1 great-great grandchild. Elizabeth was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 61 years, Herman Clayton “H.C.” Lawrence, all of her siblings, and 1 grandchild. Visitation will be on Thursday, November 10, 2016 from 11:00 am until the time of service at Crain Funeral Home in Tamms, IL. Funeral services for Elizabeth Lawrence will be held at 1:00 pm at the funeral home with Pastor Rob Greif officiating. Interment will follow at McCrite Cemetery in Tamms. Memorials may be made to Teen Challenge and will be accepted at the funeral home. The Lawrence family would like to say a special thank you to the staff of Jackson Manor as well as Cindy Taylor of Med Plus Healthcare and Hospice for their wonderful support. To leave online condolences, please visit www.crainsonline.com

Elizabeth Ann Lawrence

April 25, 1935 - November 7, 2016