Laurine Lawrence

Laurine was born July 10, 1925 in Alma, Michigan, the youngest of ten children of Albert and Ruby (Swan) Knapp. Laurine graduated from Alma High School in 1942. In February of 1946, she married William Wilson and had three children Gaye, Dennis and Marcia. Laurine and Nolan Lawrence were married on July 3, 1957 in Dowagiac and had three children Donna, Julie and Suzanne. Laurine was a talented artist and member of the Dowagiac Art Guild for many years. She volunteered at the Rose Gallery and participated in local art shows in the park. She also volunteered as a 4-H leader for many years. Her interests included drawing, painting and quilting. Laurine was a member of the Federated Covenant Church. She worked from home creating oil tinted portraits from black and white studio photos for several area professional photographers, and also applied her calligraphy talents to certificates for local businesses. Laurine and Nolan raised rainbow trout on their farm in Silver Creek Township, where they also raised swans. Laurine is survived by her son Dennis (Myra) Wilson of Edwardsburg, her daughters Gaye (Jerry) Prillwitz of Dowagiac, Marcia (Donald) Moore of Edwardsburg, Julie (Jerry) Koch of St. Joseph, Suzanne (Mike) Ernzen of Granger, two stepsons William (Judy) Lawrence and Thomas (Lynne) Lawrence, both of Dowagiac, a sister June Parrot of Traverse City, 15 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. She passed away on Saturday February 2, 2013 at the Timbers of Cass County. She is preceded in death by her husband Nolan Lawrence in 2000 and a daughter Donna Laney in 2002. Her family will gather with friends on Thursday from 4-7 p.m. at Yazel & Clark Chapel and again on Friday from 10-11 a.m. at the Federated Covenant Church where her funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday led by Pastor Rob Lowe. She will be laid to rest in Riverside Cemetery. Memorial contributions in her name may be directed to the Federated Covenant Church. Please sign her guestbook and leave a memory of Laurine at www.yazel-clark.com.