Dorris Watson Hughes Lawrence, 92, left this life peacefully on December 14, 2009.
Born in Fountain Inn, S.C., she was the daughter of the late Duff Perry Hughes and Maud Estelle Watson Hughes. She was the wife of the late James Walton Lawrence Sr. for over 60 years.
Mrs. Lawrence and her husband established the newspaper, The Landrum Leader, in Landrum in 1955. They worked together tirelessly for the next 35 years to serve the community with news relevant to the Upper Spartanburg County Area.
During her years in Landrum, Mrs. Lawrence was a long time member of Landrum Methodist Church. She initiated the idea of bringing the Mobile Meals Program to the Landrum area and served as coordinator of the Landrum program for many years. In 1994, she was recognized by the Landrum Lions Club as citizen of the year for her many years of service to the community. Mrs. Lawrence served several years on the Spartanburg Board of the Kidney Foundation. She was a member of the Landrum Civic League and the Landrum Quilters. She was the past president of the Landrum High PTA, the Landrum Chamber of Commerce and the Polk County Rescue Squad Auxiliary.
Mrs. Lawrence was predeceased by one son, John F. Lawrence; a granddaughter, Angela M. Lawrence; three brothers, Tillman, William and James Hughes; and two sisters, Duffie Maddox and Cinda Simpson.
Survivors include two daughters, Margaret Lawrence Gibbs of Spartanburg, S.C., and Jimmie Lawrence Gore of North Charleston, S.C.; a son, James W. (Jerry) Lawrence Jr. (Susan) of Whitmire, S.C.; two daughters-in-law, Peggy Scott Lawrence and Cam Fortner Lawrence of Landrum; 14 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; a brother, Woodrow Hughes (Carol) of Spartanburg and two sisters, Maudelle Finley of Mountville and Sarah Tripp (Roy) of Travelers Rest.
The family would like to express special thanks to the staff of White Oak Manor, Tryon for the continuing care and comfort given to their mother.
Visitation by friends and family will be Thursday, December 17, 2009 at 1 p.m. followed by funeral services at 2 p.m. at Landrum United Methodist Church. Burial will be in Evergreen Memorial Gardens.
Memorials may be made to Landrum United Methodist Church, 227 N Howard St. Landrum, S.C. 29356 or Mobile Meals, Inc, P.O. Box 461, Spartanburg, S.C. 29304.
Condolences may be left at www.pettyfuneralhome.com.
Petty Funeral Home & Crematory, Landrum.