Robert Lawrence

In Loving Memory of a Lifetime of Love

Robert Louis Lawrence

November 30, 1947 – May 1, 2025

Robert Louis Lawrence, the firstborn to Louis and Pauline Lawrence, entered this world on November 30, 1947, in Los Angeles, California.

From a young age, Robert gave his life to Christ and was baptized. He loved going to church, though at times life pulled him in other directions. Yet, in his own words, "God did not allow my past to impact my future. He continued to love me, even in my absence."

Robert’s educational journey took him through Gompers and Markham Junior High Schools, John C. Fremont High School, and finally David Starr High School, from which he graduated in January 1965 with a major in Industrial Arts. He later attended Los Angeles City College, studying Architectural Design.

Shortly after high school, Robert married JoAnn Miller. When their first son Kevin was born, Robert stepped up to provide for his family. His first jobs were at Alcoa Aluminum and as a host at LAX. But it was custom cars that became his true calling—turning “junk” into masterpieces and even building his own chopper motorcycle from the ground up. He was a gifted custom car restoration entrepreneur and later assisted his friend Anthony Blake in masonry design.

From 1957 to 1964, life was a joyful ride filled with cars, friends, and neighborhood adventures. The Lawrence Homestead in Watts was his refuge—a place filled with love, food, and wisdom. His father, Louis “Tony” Lawrence, was his hero, and though life taught hard lessons—divorce, loss, and personal battles—Robert remained strong, anchored by the support of his family.

The Adventure of Love

1968–2025

In 1968, Robert met Thomasina McGhee. It was a love like no other. Though both had young children—Kevin (b. 1966) and Marlo (b. 1967)—their hearts were knit together. Despite emotional turbulence and years of separation (1970–1990), their love endured.

On November 25, 1991, Robert and Thomasina were united in Holy Matrimony by Judge Black at the Federal Court Building in Los Angeles—23 years after they first fell in love. They remained devoted to each other for 34 years of marriage and a total of 57 years of love. Together, they raised four children—Kevin, Marlo, David, and Jameelah—and were blessed with eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

A Life of Passion and Purpose

Robert lived life to the fullest. He loved custom cars, riding his bike, playing cards, dominoes, and backgammon. A die-hard Lakers fan, he thrived in competition. He believed he was a fashion icon—always dressed sharp, smelling good, and accessorized in the finest. Shopping was his therapy, especially for furniture and jewelry, often gifting pieces to loved ones. His cooking skills were unmatched—he proudly shared pictures of his meals with friends.

Despite being injured in 1972, Robert lived 52 more years—without complaint. He would say, “I had a GOOD life! I only missed riding my chopper.”

A man of loyalty and love, Robert maintained lifelong friendships—from elementary school through adulthood. He remembered names, faces, and families, and to many, he was simply “Uncle Rob.” His heart was full of memories and his presence made everyone feel like family.

A Peaceful Homegoing

Robert passed peacefully at home on May 1, 2025, at 1:50 AM. In his final days, he told those close to him, “I’m tired. I want to go home. Jesus, come and get me now.” His last words to Thomasina were, “Turn out the lights and go to sleep.” He did not suffer. He simply went home.

If you know Jesus, you can be assured you’ll see Robert—RL, Uncle Rob—again.

He is now free, with a new body, a new address, and a new home, welcomed by a host of family and friends into eternity.

Loved and Remembered

Robert was preceded in death by his parents Louis and Pauline Lawrence, stepmother Eula Lawrence, and brothers Jerry Smith and Irvin Lynn Whitfield. He was also predeceased by his son Kevin Lawrence in 1996 and grandson Marquise Lawrence in 2015.

He leaves to cherish his memory:

His devoted wife for life, Thomasina Lawrence

His son, David Lawrence, daughter-in-law Kim Lawrence, and their children Adam, Kyle, and Megan

His great-granddaughter Jazlyn Lawrence (daughter of Marquise)

His daughters and sons by marriage: Marlo Afflalo (Mordecai), Jameelah Dennis (Zaire), and their children: Jazmin, Cedric (Destiny), Jazarae, Jade Byrd, Mya Afflalo, and great-grandsons Caiden and Cairo Byrd

 His beloved sister Noie Blake, niece Ecko Blake, extended family members including Martha Blue, JoAnn Powell, Manuela Hines, and countless cousins spanning three generations from the Pittman, Brown, and Lawrence families.

A special thank-you to Rossie, who lovingly cared for Robert when he needed it most.

Robert’s legacy continues through lifelong friendships with Joe Brown, Howard, Skip, Earl, Troy, Johnny, and many others across Las Vegas, New York, Texas, Atlanta, and beyond. The bond was unbreakable.

Until We Meet Again, my Love!

Robert Lawrence was many things—a husband, father, grandfather, friend, mentor, competitor, craftsman, and man of faith. He spoke truth, lived boldly, and loved deeply.

Welcome home, Robert. You will be forever missed, always remembered, and eternally loved.

 “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. John 14:1-3

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. John 14:6

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