Deborah "Deb" Owen Lawrence

Deborah Owen Lawrence passed away on June 12, 2024, after a long battle with dementia.

Deb was born on September 29, 1945, in Abbeville, SC, and moved to Monroe as a child. A lifelong resident she graduated from Monroe High School and Winthrop University earning her education degree. She married the love of her life Donnie Lawrence on July 5, 1968, who preceded her in death and raised three sons.

The quintessential southern lady Deb was always the epitome of class and grace. She exuded elegance and instilled good manners and chivalry into her sons. She enjoyed a beautiful life with her husband Donnie before his passing. She was his greatest supporter while they built their business and life together. She was a true partner in everything they did and was rarely without him. The saying “behind every great man there is a great woman” fully embodies who Deb was and Donnie would be the first to tell you she was his rock. Their love and devotion to each other were models for their sons and spouses.

After she retired from teaching, Deb came to work with Donnie and her sons in the family business Lawrence Associates as the office administrator. She enjoyed being at the office, talking and socializing with everyone who stopped by. The employees all referred to her as Ms. Deb and she delighted in being there daily with Donnie and her boys.

Deb was also an avid reader, loved playing bridge with her friends, and participated actively in the Marshville Social Club. When able to pull Donnie away from the office she loved to travel and instilled her love of going places in her sons.

Deb is survived by her devoted and loving sons Drew (Jennifer), Clint (Kristi), and Will (Amy) and her six grandchildren Amelia and Benton, Lillian, Owen and Marjorie, and William Li. Sisters-in-law, Beth Rogers and Kathy Wall (Allen). She was preceded in death by Donnie, her parents, James Owen, Sr. and Mae Coleman Owen, and brother James Owen, Jr.

The family would like to thank her devoted caregivers, Dee and Fetty for all their love and care for Deb. The staff at The Post in Mint Hill, Hospice of Union County, Dr. Aristides Chaconas, and his staff at Memory & Movement Charlotte for their guidance and medical expertise.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm, Saturday, June 15, 2024, First Presbyterian Church, 302 E. Windsor Street, Monroe, NC 28112. Due to Covid-19 restrictions in 2021, this will be a celebration of life to honor Deb and Donnie.

Internment will be private.

Directly following the service a reception for friends and family will be held at Rolling Hills Country Club 2722 W. Rosevelt Blvd. Monroe NC 28110.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for donations to be made in Deb’s memory to Memory & Movement Charlotte, mmclt.org/donate, 411 Billingsly Road, #103, Charlotte NC 28211 or Atrium Health Hospice and Palliative Care Union, 700 W. Roosevelt Blvd, Monroe, NC 28110.

Online condolences may be made at www.gordonfuneralservice.com

Gordon Funeral Service and Crematory, 1904 Lancaster Ave, Monroe, NC 28112 is caring for the Lawrence Family.