RICHMOND—Mrs. Mollie L. Lawrence of Hall Street, Franklin, departed this life on Jan. 1, 2015, while a patient in MCV Hospital, Richmond, Virginia.

The Isle of Wight County native was born on Aug. 2, 1933, to Isaac and Lillie Ford Ashburn.

Mollie was a member of St. John’s Pentecostal Holiness Church in Suffolk.

Many years ago, she was first African-American employed at Belo Grocery Store as a cashier.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Lawrence T. Lawrence; one daughter, Jean Bowe; one son, Linwood Lawrence; one sister, Mary L. Galloway; and five brothers, Isaac Ashburn, Mike Ashburn, Lassie Ashburn, Andrew Ashburn and Eddie Ashburn.

Mollie is survived by three sons, Morris Ashburn (Cynthia), Dwanie Lawrence (Pamela) and Raynard Lawrence (Brenda); one sister, Laura Jones Buck (Henry); one brother, Thomas Ashburn (Dorothy); 17 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild, nieces, nephews and many cousins.

A celebration of life will be on Friday, Jan. 9, at 1 p.m., in New Mount Zion Baptist Church, 415 Stonewall St., Franklin, with Bishop Bailey Hall delivering the eulogy. The committal and benediction will be in Southview Cemetery.

On the day of service, her remains will rest in church by 11 a.m.

A traditional service with dignity will be conducted by Wm. M. Johnson & Sons Inc., 224 S. Main St., Franklin, VA.

Please share your condolences with the family at www.wmjohnsonandsons.com