Ms. Sammie Lawrence

February 19, 1949 - March 15, 2022

Sammie Lee Lawrence was born on February 18, 1949, to Bessie and Otha Barnes, Sr. in Pickens Mississippi. She was the fourth born of the Barnes tribe. Sammie and her family moved to Chicago in July 1956. She graduated from Lucy Flowers High School. On August 12, 1967 she married Gerald Lawrence, Sr. To this union she bore six children. Sammie was known for being a very generous, outgoing, and caring person. She liked to shop and could always find a good sale on just about anything. On Saturday afternoons, Sammie would enjoy watching her favorite black and white Western shows. She was also known for being a hard worker. This proved true in her 35-year career at the U.S. Post Office. In 1973, Sammie received that infamous knock on the door, and began learning about Jehovah and his kingdom. She was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses on January 11, 1974. Throughout the years, Sammie had the privilege of serving as an Auxiliary and Regular Pioneer. She would spend hours going from door to door helping others to learn about Jehovah. Her most memorable trip was visiting the World Headquarters of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Brooklyn, NY. She was also involved in two major building projects, which included the Kingdom Hall on 81st & Western, and the Assembly Hall in Romeoville, IL. She felt it was a great honor just to move dirt and stones for Jehovah. Sammie remained faithful to her heavenly father Jehovah until the end. On Tuesday, March 15, 2022, Sammie fell asleep in death. She made an impact on many and will be missed. She was preceded in death by her parents: Bessie and Otha Barnes, Sr; siblings: Otha Ree Chambers, James Barnes, Richard Barnes, and Elizabeth (Peaches) Barnes; and son: Gerald Eugene Lawrence, Jr. Sammie leaves to cherish her memory, her children: Stephanie Minefee, Charles Lawrence, Selena Houston (Mark), Jerry Lawrence, and Shannon L. Armstrong (Ulyissis Sr). Grandchildren: Gerald, Ishva Jr, Quenna (Tim), Antoinette, Anthony Jr, Crystal, Jerry (JJ), Ulyissis Jr, Shannon, Diamond, Jerry and Dushown. Five great-grandchildren: Myles, Mila, Jahari Jr, Chantell, and Christopher. Siblings: Otha Jr, Marsha, Sarah, Hattie, Mozell (Rita), Bessie, Laura, John (Louvenia), Della (Calvin), David (Geraldine), Lewis, Ruth, Ken, Glynis, Troy, Jimmy, Doris, Keith; Aunt: Hattie Mae, Uncle: Mozell (Laura); special cousin: Vera; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends.