Jewel Lawrence

Jewel Herrington Lawrence, 106, of Lampasas, died April 12, 2016 at Oaks Nursing Center in Burnet. Jewel was born October 31, 1909 on a farm in Taylor County, near Abilene, Texas. Her parents were J.H. and Carrie Herrington and she was the youngest of 14 children. Jewel’s childhood was a happy time, and she attended Bluff Creek, a community school for farm families; it consisted of 2 teachers and 8 grades. Later Jewel went to Drasco High School where she graduated in 1928. She attended Hardin Simmons University and later, Sul Ross University to obtain an elementary teaching certificate. Her first job was teaching 5th grade in Drasco for $85.00 a month. On July 14, 1934, Jewel married Oscar Lawrence, and they had 3 children: James, Janet, and Ray. With their children, they lived in Denton and Burnet, and later bought a small farm between Burnet and Lampasas. Jewel retired as a teacher from Lampasas schools in 1974, and after Oscar died, moved from the farm to Lampasas in 1992. She was an active member of the First Baptist Church and the Retired Teachers of Texas. In her life history, written in 1999, Jewel reflected, “As I look back through the years, I realize that God has been so good. I’ve lived through 2 world wars, the Great Depression, and the sand storms of West Texas. Yet I never lacked for food, clothing or shelter- The Lord knew what I needed. I’m grateful for every blessing.” Visitation will be Saturday, April 16, 2016 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Lampasas. Funeral service will begin at 2:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Naruna Cemetery. Survivors include sons, James Lawrence and wife Mary of Highland Haven Ray Lawrence and wife Bonnie of Burnet County Daughter, Janet Carlin and husband Tom of Dallas Grandchildren; Christen Gray, Shannon Kornegay, Travis Keith Lawrence, Tylar James Lawrence, and Kimberly Bridwell Great-grandchildren; Jacob Keith Lawrence, Jared James Lawrence, and Joshua Michael Frias Great-great grandson, Ethan Keith Lawrence Memorials may be sent to First Baptist Church Lampasas.