Obituary of Patricia Ann Martin Lawrence

Patricia Ann Martin Lawrence, 79, of Kernersville passed away peacefully Sunday, December 3, 2023.

A native of Forsyth County, NC, Pat was born on May 26, 1944, the daughter of Thurman Martin and Emma Lee Tucker Martin, both deceased. 

Pat graduated from Forsyth Memorial School of Nursing in 1965. While working full time, she went back to college and earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1996. She cared for patients for over 55 years and worked most of her career in the operating room at Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center and Novant Health Medical Park Hospital in addition to working part-time in doctors’ offices.  She did not fully retire until the age of 76 because of her love of her patients and colleagues.  Nursing was her calling, and she never wanted to stop working and caring for others.

When Pat was not at work, she enjoyed reading, shopping, going to the beach and spending time with her daughters, family, and friends whom she loved more than anything in this world; she was always focused on their health and happiness. 

Those left to cherish her memory are two daughters, Emily (Tom) Andrews and Kristy Lawrence; one sister, Janie Johnson (William); three brothers, Wayne Martin (Sharlene), David Martin (Shirley), and Billy Martin (Linda); many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends, including her cherished friends, Dottie Keyes and Faye Bryant; and her cats, Hershey, Murphy, and Tigger.

A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at 12:00 PM Monday, December 11, 2023, at Kerwin Baptist Church with Rev. Daniel Hawtree, Rev. Frank Shumate, and Alan Comer officiating. Inurnment will follow at the Gardens of Memory Walkertown Mausoleum Chapel. The family will greet friends from   11:00 AM to 12:00 PM Monday prior to the service at the church. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Kerwin Baptist Church, 4520 Old Hollow Road, Kernersville, NC  27284, The Shepherd’s Center of Kernersville, Inc., 636 Gralin Street, Kernersville, NC  27284, Mountain Valley Hospice, Attn: SECU Hospice Care Center, 401 Technology Drive, Mt. Airy, NC 27030 or a charity of your choice.

The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to the staff of Kerner Ridge Assisted Living, her caregivers, and Mountain Valley Hospice/SECU Care Center in Yadkinville, for the loving care given to our precious mother and the help and support of our family and friends.

Friends and family may offer online condolences at www.piercejeffersonfh.com