Mrs. Patricia Kay Stanley Lawrence passed away January 28, 2019, at age 68, in Nacogdoches, Texas. She was born July 18, 1950 in Center, Texas, to the late Audrie Baker Stanley and Dayton Bruce Stanley. She was the youngest of three sisters, Sarah Ruth Stanley Helms, who preceded her in death, and Jeanette Stanley Tinkle of Tyler, Texas. She was married to the late Freddy Charles Lawrence, Sr in 1979. Mrs. Lawrence attended and was a dedicated member of New Hope Congregational Methodist Church in Center. 

 

Patricia grew up in Center and lived there for her entire 68 years of life. From her youngest days, she always wanted to be a teacher. She would line her dolls up against the wall and teach them Reading, Writing and Arithmetic; and then drill them again the following day to make sure they remembered! She attended Center schools all 12 years and graduated from Center High School in 1968. Patricia went on to attend Panola College and then earn her Bachelors’ and Masters’ Degrees from Stephen F. Austin State University. After graduating from SFA, she began her teaching career at Center Junior High and then Center Elementary School. She devoted 41 years of her life to the teaching profession all at CISD. Patricia considered herself blessed to have been a teacher and missed teaching every day following her retirement. She was and still is loved by so many of her previous students. She was born to be a teacher and has led many to join this profession! 

 

Patricia’s children were the loves of her life. Her grandchildren were their “Momom’s” pride and joy. Aunt “Tricia” will forever be loved and missed by her entire family. 

Survivors include:

Sons: 
David Lawrence of Center
Charles Lawrence of Texarkana

Daughter:
Melissa Munoz and husband, Alex of Center

Sister:
Jeanette Tinkle and husband, Pat of Tyler

Grandchildren:
Alexis Barlow
Avery Lawrence
Mia Munoz
Jeremy, Tara and John Lawrence
Elizabeth Hendrix
Justin Stapleton
Desiree Munoz
Victoria Barker
Jonathan Lawrence
Jeffery Lawrence

Nephew:
Todd Thompson

Nieces:
Pete Helms
Jodi Ellis
Jill Lupton

 

Numerous great-grandchildren, other family and friends.

 

She is preceded in death by her husband, Freddy Charles Lawrence, Sr.; parents, Dayton Bruce and Audrie Stanley; sister, Sarah Ruth Stanley Helms; sons, Alan Lawrence and Greg Lawrence; father-in-law, Fred C. Lawrence; and mother-in-law, Ruth Watson Lawrence.

 

Because of Patricia’s passion for learning and education, the family requests that memorial donations be made to a scholarship fund account ending in 6501 that has been set up at Farmers State Bank in memory of Patricia Lawrence. The money will be used for educational purposes such as scholarships and providing classrooms with needed school supplies.

 

Pallbearers are Todd Thompson, Robert Ellis, Patrick Lupton, Jeremy Smith, Collin McElroy and Sean Crouch.

 

The family is being served by Mangum Funeral Home in Center. To send condolences or to sign an online register, please visit www.mangumfh.net