Albert Edwards Lawrence

The memorial service will be streamed live via Zoom, Dec. 20th from 11am to 2pm. Please reach out to Danielle or Mary Friday if you need help accessing Zoom.  Click on the link below to join.  Then click Join from your browser.

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84851892059?pwd=7EEaKSpVJFMGi38z3lgfG3iz6cogmX.1

Albert Edwards Lawrence was born to the late Mary Edwards and the late Albert David Lawrence on October 13, 1957, in Greenwood, South Carolina. Albert gracefully passed away on November 15, 2025, at the VA Medical Center in Washington, DC. His wife, Davida, kept her vows “in sickness and in health” and “till death do us part”. He leaves behind a rich legacy defined by his dedication to family, his humor, his strength, and his profound impact on everyone who knew him.

After Mary’s passing at age 7, he went to live with his grandparents, Issac and Della Lawrence, until he reached the age of 12. Albert went to live with his father’s family and was then adopted at the age of 15 by Gene Lawrence, who raised him with unwavering devotion. Albert attended Solomon Temple Holiness Church under his mother, Pastor Gene Lawrence. He faithfully served as a proud drummer for the Church and the choirs. Albert was baptised at an early age and accepted Christ as his personal savoir. She became “Mom” in every sense of the word, teaching him how to balance a checkbook, how to dress, and guiding him through life with deep care, strength, and love.

Albert attended Riverside School in Saluda, South Carolina and then later attended Twin City School in Batesburg, South Carolina. During the summer, his family relocated to Maryland where he attended Riverdale Elementary School, William Wirt Middle School, and Bladensburg High School in Prince George’s County, Maryland, where he received his diploma.

With the encouragement of his mother, Albert enlisted in the United States Army on January 12, 1977, as an Infantryman, serving in numerous locations throughout his military career, though Korea remained one of the posts he remembered most fondly. While stationed there, he faced the realities of active duty with courage and returned home safely. He later distinguished himself as a Drill Sergeant, selflessly training and guiding the next generation of soldiers. His service was further honored with achievements including the Marksman Rifle qualification and the Good Conduct Medal, affirming his character and military dedication.

In May 1980, Albert married Victoria Elise Lawrence, and together they welcomed two beautiful daughters, Danielle Elise Lawrence and Mary Evelyn Lawrence, who became the pride and joy of his life. He was a founding member of Moses Lodge, Number 115, Free and Accepted Masons (Prince Hall Affiliation) in Benicia, California. He started as a Junior Warden, then Senior Warden, before becoming the Master of the Lodge in 1998. His last few years living in California, he worked at the Ronald W. Dellums Federal Building in Oakland, California. After his divorce in 2001, Albert moved to Maryland, where he later married his teenage sweetheart, Davida Latten, a union that brought him comfort, companionship, and joy in his later years.

Albert’s professional journey was as rich and varied as his personality. He first worked as a rigger at Mare Island Naval Shipyard in Vallejo, California, where he was known for his skill, dependability, and leadership. During his time there, he also taught classes, sharing his expertise with new workers and helping them develop the skills they needed to excel. His ability to teach, guide, and support others became one of the defining qualities of his career .

Later, he established himself in Washington, DC, where he devoted over 25 years to the National Gallery of Art. There, he became far more than an employee—he became a mentor, a teacher, and a trusted presence. He knew the job inside and out, and guided countless coworkers through challenges both professional and personal.

Albert had a gift for helping others shine. When new employees came in for interviews, he would ease their nerves with one of his signature “mini interviews,” offering advice, encouragement, or a tough truth delivered with love. He took great pride in seeing people rise, return to school, earn degrees, and come back to let him know he made a difference in their lives. He spoke about these moments often and with joy.

Beyond that, he was an entrepreneur at heart, running his own locksmith business, owning and operating a travel agency, and continuously pursuing new ventures with enthusiasm and vision. His personality—funny, gentle, bold, and undeniably original—made him unforgettable both personally and professionally. He was a true original OG, a one-of-a-kind soul who embraced life fully on both the East and West Coasts.

In his personal life, Albert loved the simple pleasures that brought joy, laughter, and connection. He enjoyed coaching the Redskins while watching the games, whether cheering passionately from the basement or at the stadium. He was an avid basketball watcher, a cigar lover, and a gifted trash-talker who could make a whole room laugh with just a few words. He cherished spending time with family, making up songs and singing them with comedic flair, having spades and bid whist tournaments, and hosting unforgettable parties in the basement—where everyone felt welcomed, loved, and entertained. He initiated a yearly family road trip to South Carolina where he enjoyed bringing his closest relatives together and visiting his very special cousin that he bonded with at a young age like a sister, Susan (Shelly) MIller. These moments were where Albert’s spirit shined brightest: joyful, warm, hilarious, and full of life.

At the center of Albert’s life was his family. His mother, Bishop Gene Lawrence-Stewart, and his sisters, Jacqueline Lawrence-Evans and Lynette Major, held a special place in his heart. Albert and Jackie were stuck together like glue from childhood. They had a special brother and sister bond that lasted throughout his lifetime. Above all, his greatest joy came from being a father. His daughters, Danielle and Mary, were the apples of his eye. He cherished their conversations, inside jokes, and secret handshakes, and took immense pride in raising them to be strong, intelligent, and independent women. He also shared a sincere and meaningful bond with his bonus daughter, Gena Latten, because Albert didn’t believe in “step” family—he believed in one family united in love.

Albert’s generosity knew no limits. He shared his time, wisdom, laughter, and love freely. He had an extraordinary ability to make people feel seen, valued, and cared for. His humor was unmatched, and his presence made others feel safe, welcome, and loved.

Albert is survived by his loving wife, Davida A. Lawrence; his daughters, Danielle Elise Lawrence, Mary Evelyn Lawrence, and Gena Latten; his mother, Bishop Gene Lawrence-Stewart; his sisters, Jacqueline Lawrence-Evans and Lynette Major; his nieces, Ra'Quia Victoria Lawrence and Sha’Netta Major; his nephew, Sean Major; and a host of great-nieces and great-nephews. He is also survived by his uncles: Charlie Lawrence of Augusta, Georgia, John Henry Lawrence of Kinston, North Carolina, and LC Lawrence of Saluda, South Carolina. He was preceded in death by his biological mother, Mary Edwards; his father, Albert Lawrence; and his nephews, Rashad Johnson and Darius Lawrence. He also leaves behind his granddog Coach, whose snacks are still on auto ship.

A memorial service celebrating Albert’s life will be held on December 20, 2025, at Lee Funeral Home, Inc., located at 6633 Old Alexandria Ferry Road, Clinton, Maryland. Viewing of the urn will take place from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, followed by the memorial service from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM.

The repast will be held one hour after the memorial service at All Saints Anglican Church, located at 4849 Lydell Road, Hyattsville, MD 20781, from 3:00 PM until closing, where guests are welcome to join us for refreshments, fellowship, and a continued celebration of Albert’s life.

Please join us, we will gather to share stories and memories, with Albert’s urn present as a comforting reminder of his enduring spirit.

To honor Albert’s memory and celebrate his spirit, we kindly ask all guests to wear burgundy and gold, his favorite colors. Let these colors surround us as a symbol of the love, strength, and legacy he leaves behind.

Albert Edwards Lawrence will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His spirit will continue to shine brightly through the memories he created and the countless lives he touched.