Sylvia Lawrence Obituary

Sylvia Johnson Lawrence, 81, passed away peacefully on September 2, 2025, in Columbia, South Carolina. Born December 16, 1943, in Camden, New Jersey, Sylvia grew up in a close-knit family alongside her siblings. Throughout her life, she remained deeply connected to her roots and the people who shaped her early years. Sylvia shared a devoted marriage with her late husband, Larry Lawrence III. Together they built a life centered on love and family. She was a proud mother to Kimberly Lawrence and her husband Jeffrey Poteat, and to Larry Lawrence IV. Her nurturing spirit extended across generations as she embraced her role as grandmother to Katy Gross and her husband Josh, and to Christian Poteat and his wife Hanna. Sylvia's joy multiplied with the arrival of her great-grandchildren: Ellie Ann Poteat, Jack Gross, and soon-to-arrive Emma Poteat. She is also lovingly remembered by her sister Libby Edwards. Her brother, Pat Johnson, followed her the next day, passing away on September 3, 2025. She was preceded in death by her brother Irvin Johnson, Jr., whose memory she carried with grace. A cherished friend to many, Sylvia's warmth and presence left an indelible mark on all who knew her. May her memory be a blessing, bringing comfort to all who loved her.