Dorether Richardson Lawrence

Dorether Richardson Lawrence, born on October 26, 1930, in Ridgeland, South Carolina was one of four children born to the union of Adell and Estella Richardson Lawrence. As a young girl growing up in Ridgeland, South Carolina, Dorether was surrounded by loving parents and relatives that developed and molded her as a she grew into childhood. She received her primary education in Ridgeland until her parents moved to Apopka, Florida where she attended Phyllis Wheatley High School. She accepted Christ at an early age and became a member of St. Paul A.M.E. Church where she sang in the choir and served her church faithfully. As her life's journey continued Dorether moved to Newark, New Jersey with her first-born daughter, Betty Jo. During this time, she worked at East Orange General Hospital. Dorether would later givebirth to Willie Tyrone, Wanda, and Keith. She was a loving and devoted mother and a true lifelong survivor. While in East Orange, she united with Messiah Baptist Church. In 1970 she moved back to Apopka and began to work for the Disney Corporation and later at Phyllis Wheatley Elementary School as a cafeteria cook where she remained until she retired after 25 years of service. Dorether was known at the school for her infectious laughter and smiles. In 2006, Dorether along with her daughter Wanda, moved to East Orange, New Jersey to be with her eldest daughter, Betty Jo. "Doe" as she was affectionately called, loved to cook, dance, and read books. She loved to joke around and had the best memory in the family. She could recount stories from "back in the day'' with precision and could remember everyone's birthday. Doe would always call and sing for you on your special day. Let's not forget that she always "had to get her hair done". Almost a year ago, Dorether moved back to Florida to be with her son Keith and his wife as she continued to live her final days. She transitioned from this life peacefully on Tuesday, September 20, 2022. She is preceded in death by her parents, Adell and Estella Lawrence and son, Willie Tyrone Pierce, Jr. She leaves to cherish fond and precious memories; two daughters, Betty Jo (Leamare) Mitchell, East Orange, New Jersey and Wanda T. Pierce, Orlando, Florida; one son, Keith R. (Debbie) Pierce, Orlando, Florida; one brother, Dr. Rodell (Cedar) Lawrence, Martinez, Georgia; two sisters, Marilyn Barnes, Apopka, Florida, and Valerie Lawrence, Rochester, New York; one grand-daughter, Clairesa Woods, Long Branch ,New Jersey; three great - grandchildren, Zykeriah, Omar and Madyson all of Long Branch, New Jersey; a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins, other relatives and loving friends. To view the service via Facebook Livestream use the link below: https://m.facebook.com/ZandersFuneralLIVE/ To view the service via YouTube Livestream use the link below: Http://www.youtube.com/watch?V=GFHGBAR4KU

Tributes

Dorether Richardson Lawrence

October 26, 1930 - September 20, 2022