Bertie "Lucille" Lawrence

Bertie Lucille Lawrence, daughter of Matthew George and Hester Grace (Harper) Pemberton, was born on the family farm in Camden County, Missouri, March 12, 1922. “Lucille” as she was known by her family and friends, spent her elementary years at George School and later attended Richland High School. She accepted the Lord early in life and was highly active in church all throughout her life. Lucille had a strong work ethic. She had worked many places; an Army rain coat factory in Iberia, Missouri, the Richland shoe factory, a nursing home in Iberia, resorts at the Lake of the Ozarks, as well as, taking care of elderly in their homes; all the while raising a family and taking care of her home. She greatly enjoyed shopping at thrift stores and yard sales. Lucille loved flowers and candy but most of all, she loved to play the piano and sing at her church, what she called “Singings” as it was traditionally called in her part of the country. Some of her most favorite songs included, “How Great Thou Art,” “I’ll Fly Away,” “On the Wings of a Dove,” “Beulah Land,” and ‘The Old Rugged Cross.” Lucille departed this life while in Mercy hospital of Lebanon, Missouri, at 11:15 p.m., on Saturday, June 13, 2020, to begin her eternal journey with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, having attained the age of 98. She is preceded in death by her parents, Matthew George and Hester Grace (Harper) Pemberton; three brothers, Furrell McCrory, Clark Lee, and Champ Pemberton; five sisters, Nancy “Belle” Pemberton Driskell, Flo Pemberton Roam, Chloe Pemberton Cochran, Nellie Marie Pemberton, and little Mattie Gleda Pemberton; husbands, Oarn VanSant, Eddie Lawrence, and Artie Reinhart; two sons, Samuel Dane Lawrence and Mark Anthony Lawrence. Lucille was greatly loved by her family and leaves to cherish her memory, sons, Matthew Lawrence (Trish) of Lebanon, MO, Billy Joe VanSant (Sue) of Bates City, MO, David Murdock of TX, daughters-in-law, Janet Lawrence of Iberia, MO, and Anita Lawrence of Lebanon, MO; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. If we profess our faith in God, the Bible tells us that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. Lucille reached that place of everlasting peace alongside Jesus Christ the moment He called her home. She is going to be missed by those of us who are left behind to mourn for her however, Lucille leaves us with all the wonderful memories she made while walking the pathways of life, and will remain in the hearts of those who loved her. Services were held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, June 19, 2020, in the Memorial Chapel of Richland with Pastor Lee Todd officiating. Favorite songs played included “In the Garden,” and How Great Thou Art.” Family and friends served as escorts. Burial followed in Concord Cemetery near Crocker, Missouri. Services were under the care and direction of Memorial Chapel of Richland.

Bertie "Lucille" Lawrence

March 12, 1922 - June 13, 2020