Gertrude Norma Lawrence

Life Reflection https://youtu.be/Z_z-1M1GNic Gertrude Norma Lawrence was born December 2, 1939 to Buell and Emily (Paschal) Bolger. She was one of five children born to this union. Both of her parents, her sisters-Joan Thomasand Emily McLemore, her brother Maurice "Butch' Belger, and her husband of 35 years, Elvester Lawrence, all preceded her in death. Although reared in the Catholic faith, as an adult she professed a hope in the resurrected Christ, committed herself to the mission of Christian discipleship, and joined Trinity Mt. Carmel Church under the pastorship of Dr. Charles M. Roach. She later fellowshipped with Christ Community Temple (C.O.G.I.C.) under Bishop William Harper. Norma, as she preferred to be called, received her elementary and secondary education through schools within the Archdiocese of St. Louis. Her elementary report cards from Immacolata show that she was an excellent student- diligent in her efforts, attentive to detail, and timely in turningin assignments and projects. As a 1958 graduate of Mercy High School, she received accoladesfor her ability to collaborate with others, to facilitate tasks from beginning to end, and to explainthe methodologies used in the completion of the expected tasks. She was also admonished for her commitment to breaking down barriers related to race and gender. These attributes would serve her well in the professional world. In 1985, Norma was hired as a senior administrative assistant with the then McDonnell Aircraft Company located here in St. Louis, During her tenure, she conducted all phases of office procedures, trained employees on the use of certain systems, ensured accuracy of expense reports, communicated efficiently with government agencies, taught professionalimprovement classes, and organized and coordinated projects to increase maximum efficiency for the company. She received commendations for her diligent work ethic, creative thinking,and attention to detail. Although she never boasted about it Norma could type 120 wpm (words per minute) and could shorthand 80 wpm. Norma retired from then McDonnell- Douglasin 1990, after 25 years of dedicated service to the company. Shortly after retirement, Norma experienced a health condition that restricted her ability to drive or work. Rather than complain or feel sorry for herself, she found additional strength andpurpose in the relationships she had with her extended family and neighborhood. As the god-mother to Rahsaan Andrews, she found great joy and lived life fully. Norma and Rahsaan left no stone unturned. They enjoyed watching movies, shopping, eating out, traveling, and fellowshipping with various congregations. Together they could find humorin any situation. In addition, Norma became the god-grandparent to three girls: Chrysten, Courteney, and Cyan Sailor. To them she was known as Nonie and Tuesdays and Thursdays were Nonie Days." On these days, the girls would get off the bus at Norma and Lawrence's house and have a blast while playing at the park, playing Old Maid for hours with Nonie, watching television, eating pizza bites, chocolate candy, and icecream, and drinking soda. Nonie always kept a freezer filled with afterschool snacks for Rashaan and the girls or as she referred to them respectively, My grandson and my girls." One of Norma's favorite pastimes was standing in the front window or standing outside and watching the children get on and off the bus and play in the park. She was the park police and could be heard sternly hut affectionately-telling children and teens to stop inappropriatebehavior. During her final days at home, she was able to do what she loved: sit outside facingthe park and watch school children exit the school bus at the end of the school day. Having endured 15 years of dialysis and a recent three-month hospital stay In which her healthwas continuing to fair, Norma returned to the comforts of home, as promised by her advocate, Christopher Sailor. During this timer she spoke with family and friends, watched some of herfavorite television shows, ate her favorite dessert (cheesecake), listened to gospel music, watched families gather at the park, and happily sat in the new recliner that she had requested while in the hospital. Before departing, she insisted on having church at 4:30 am,Those present held hands, prayed and joined Norma in praising the Lord forall that He had done, was doing, and will do. Norma departed her earthly existence on the morning of Friday, September 3rd. Sheleaves to cherish her memory: her only surviving sibling, Judy Sherrod; a very special nephew, Kenneth Belger, a nephew Thomas Jennings, a niece, Lisa BO and a nephew, Kevin Key (Joan's son); a loving god-son, Rahsaan Andrews; a special extended family,Christopher and Chrystal Sailor and their girls; and a number of cousins, extendedfamily members, and friends. Interment:Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery2900 Sheridan RdSt. Louis, MO 63125 . Visitation Williams-James Mortuary, Inc. - Chapel Saturday, September 18, 2021 11:00 AM - 11:45 AM 1424 Dielman RoadSt. Louis, MO 63132 Directions Funeral Service Williams-James Mortuary, Inc. - Chapel Saturday, September 18, 2021 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM 1424 Dielman RoadSt. Louis, MO 63132 Directions