Iva Jean Lawrence, 94, a devoted wife, caring mother, beloved grandmother, and dear friend, passed away on February 17. She was born to Lucille and Roy Jacks on October 23, 1929, in Huntsville, Alabama. As a servant of God, she was a dedicated, long-time member of the Mayfair Church of Christ.
After graduating from Huntsville High School, Iva Jean attended the University of North Alabama. While back home in Huntsville, she met her future husband, Jim Lawrence, on a blind date arranged through mutual friends when he was visiting Huntsville. After marrying, they moved to Naples, Italy, where Jim was stationed with the US Army, for a few years before returning to the states to live in Fort Jackson, South Carolina. Wanting to be nearer to family, they soon returned to Huntsville to run the El Rose Motel family business before she turned to helping her parents with their newest endeavor, the Sands Motel.
While the family business was prominent in her life, Iva Jean’s primary roles were as a homemaker and mother. After her sons were grown, she became passionate about antiquing. Always looking for a great find, she became an avid antique collector.
Iva Jean was preceded in death by her parents, and her loving husband, James Carl Lawrence. She is survived by her two sons, David Lawrence (Teresa) and Scott Lawrence (Mary Carol); grandchildren, Amanda Lawrence, Jackson Lawrence, and Mary Kathryn Lawrence; great-grandchild, Emmanuel Grissom; great-great-grandchild, Emmanuel Lyon-Grissom; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Monday, February 26, 2024, at Laughlin Service Funeral Home. Burial will follow at 12:30 p.m. at Maple Hill Cemetery with Ron Williams officiating.
In lieu of flowers, friends wishing to commemorate Iva Jean’s life may contribute to Give Kids the World (www.gktw.org), or the Alzheimer’s Association (https://act.alz.org/), or a charity of your choice.
