Gerald Lynn Lawrence, age 67, resident of Manitowoc, Wisconsin, passed away on December 21, 2023, in his home.

Gerald was born in Macon, Georgia, on November 11, 1956. His parents were Essie Lawrence-Brown (mother), Dupree Lawrence (father), and Henry "Tig" Brown (stepfather). While Georgia is where he was born, Gerald spent most of his life in Chicago, Illinois, where he graduated from Calumet High School and went on to join the army on June 6th, 1975. After receiving an honorable discharge, he worked at the United States Post Office, which would be his career for over thirty years.

Gerald's daughter, Briana Lawrence, would like to think that her father isn't leaving anyone behind. To her, he will continue to live on in the smiles, laughter, family gatherings and "arguments" he'd start with his siblings: Cheryl Layne, Dr. Sandra Armstrong, Deborah (Kelvin) Pitts, Janice (Robert) Jones, Karen Lawrence and John Lawrence. Gerald also has plenty of relatives, friends, and loved ones who will continue to hear that laugh of his.

Gerald was a creative who would draw, paint, put together collages with the photos he took, and add details to the statues he liked to collect. He was also one of the few Lawrences who could take care of plants as most of the family tends to have bad luck with them. Gerald enjoyed watching superhero movies with Briana, but would also cry over any parental Disney moments involving a dad.

Gerald's family will be holding services on Monday, January 8th, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. The service will be held at Leak and Sons Funeral Homes in Matteson, Illinois. A repast will be held at the same location after Gerald is taken to Washington Memory Gardens in Homewood, Illinois. Here, he will be laid to rest next to his parents and his older brother, Nate.

While black is the customary attire at funerals, those attending are encouraged to wear something colorful if the mood suits them, as Briana fondly remembers Gerald in a vibrant, purple suit, patterned shirts, and stylish hats.