Evelyn "Hazel" Lawrence, 85, of Quincy, Ill., died May 17, 2018, at Sunset Home surrounded by loved ones. Mrs. Lawrence was a member of Fellowship First Baptist Church in High Ridge, where she sang in the choir and played the kazoo in the Joy Band. She also was a teacher's assistant for 21 years at the church’s preschool. She loved music and singing and was a devoted prayer warrior who could be counted on to keep you in on her prayer list when you needed help.
Born Feb. 21, 1933, in Jasper, she was the daughter of the late Clifford and Ida Elder Howe. She was preceded in death by her husband, John W. Lawrence. The two were married in December 1950 in Willow Springs, and he died in 1989.
Mrs. Lawrence is survived by two daughters: Vanessa Pulliam of Quincy and Evelyn "Denise" (Rick) Nipper of O'Fallon; one daughter-in-law: Tamara Lawrence; nine grandchildren: Ruth Ann (Terry) Henson, Elizabeth Lee Lawrence, Samara Lynn (Scott) Mitchell, Clyde Leroy (Stephanie) Lawrence, Amanda Marie (Keith) Ginsberg, Adrienne Juanita Nipper, Michelle Christin (Jay) Elton, Sarah Lynn (Judson) Brooks and David Cecil (Rebecca) Pulliam; 13 great-grandchildren and one more on the way; one brother: Leo (Patsy) Howe; and one sister-in-law: June Howe.
She also was preceded in death by one son: Donald Lawrence; one son-in-law: Michael Pulliam; one great-grandson: Gregory Haggard; and five siblings.
Visitation will be from 3 p.m. until the funeral services at 6 p.m. on Monday, May 21, at Fellowship First Baptist Church, 2735 High Ridge Blvd., in High Ridge, with Pastor Judson Brooks officiating. Private burial will be at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Cedar Hill. Memorials may be made to GuideStone Financial Resources for Mission Dignity or Fellowship First Baptist Church in High Ridge to go toward the Lottie Moon and Annie Armstrong missions. Arrangements are under the direction of Hansen-Spear Funeral Home.