Oscar Laurence

Obituary of Oscar Joseph Laurence

Oscar Joseph "Joe" Laurence was born on August 25, 1944, the son of Oscar and Mary Lawrence. He was raised by his loving Grandparents Orange and Lavonia “Sister Baby” Lawrence. Joe was very intelligent and received good grades in school growing up. At an early age, he learned how to read and write. He knew his times tables, and how to write in cursive before the age of 5, all at the tutelage of his Grandmother. 

He graduated High School at the age of 16 and was the Valedictorian of his class. Joe attended Tuskegee University before joining the Marine Corps at the age of 18. He achieved the rank of Corporal and received several medals of Commendation during his tour of duty in Vietnam. He ended his military career as a Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps. 

Joe moved to New York where he soon began a career with the New York City Police Department where he again, rose to the rank of Sergeant. He established the Police Department's First Human Diversity Unit before retiring after 20 years of service. In 1988 Joe then moved his family base to St Petersburg, Fl. He briefly worked as a Child Protection Investigator, before beginning a career with the Pinellas County Clerk of Courts as a Court Manager. Joe managed several courts around Pinellas County before his retirement.

Joe was known to attend church and preach sermons at a very young age. In Joe’s younger days of living in New York, he loved the nightlife and would frequent a bar he liked called On The Avenue. He was the life of the party, and would usually end up shutting down one club and going to another. He enjoyed listening to the sounds of Marvin Gaye, The Delfonics, The OJays, and The Temptations. Joe was very particular about the things he wanted, and he would spend hours researching items until he was completely satisfied with all aspects of his final decision. Some might call him a perfectionist.

Joe was well versed in the Bible and various other religious and historical texts. He enjoyed researching history, and was very knowledgeable and capable of in depth debates on biblical and historical content.  He loved a "Good Debate" sometimes switching from his own personal opinions just to engage a good adversary. Joe enjoyed discussing world events with his sons, and his son in law, and would spend hours talking about politics and sports.

Preceding him in death are: his parents Oscar and Mary Lawrence, his son Maurice Lawrence, his sister, Barbara McKinney, and his beloved dog Dakota

He leaves to cherish his memory: his children Michael Laurence (Maiko), Kevin Johnson, Phya Scott, Nikki Mims (Orian), Ta-Ron Gibbs, Nakita Knight, Ahsandi Gibbs (Melisa), Omar Laurence, Jason Laurence (Shantel), 24 Grandchildren, and 8 Great Grandchildren, Brothers, Gerald Nelson (Patricia), Alton Robinson (Angelic), Rolano Bailey (Irish), Gerod Corbin (Amanda),  Sisters, Cinder Barrian, Betty Figgs (Leonard), Connie Solomon (Wayne), Rosa Smith (Joe), Rosalind McQueen (John); Nephew, Skipper McKinney and Nieces, Valerie and Chariti Pennington; Lifelong friends, Alvina Laurence, Jackie Ward-Williams, Margie Laurence, and his Canine friend CeCe.

 

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Friday
24
February

Visitation

6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Friday, February 24, 2023
Anderson McQueen - Northeast Chapel
2201 MLK Street N
St. Petersburg, Florida, United States
Saturday
25
February

Funeral Service

11:00 am - 1:30 pm
Saturday, February 25, 2023
Anderson McQueen - Northeast Chapel
2201 MLK Street N
St. Petersburg, Florida, United States
Saturday
25
February

Committal Service

2:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Saturday, February 25, 2023
Woodlawn Memory Gardens
101 58th Street S
St. Petersburg, Florida, United States
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Oscar