Betty Lee Lawrence
1927-2021
Betty Lee Lawrence, beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother left peacefully surrounded by family on March 13, 2021. Through her hard-fought battle with dementia, she never lost her gentle spirit or deep love of music. Betty was born December 11, 1927 to Ernest and Velma Hearn who instilled in her a strong devotion to family and lifelong joy of music. She grew up in south Oklahoma City where she attended Columbus, Jackson and Capitol Hill High School. Betty was a member of Gamma Phi Beta sorority while attending Oklahoma City University. After graduating with degrees in music and education at age 20, she returned to OKC public schools as a teacher.
Her adventurous spirit took her on a bicycle tour through post-WWII Europe and inspired her to take a job teaching children of the US military in Linz, Austria. After several years teaching, skiing the Alps, and touring Europe, she returned to Oklahoma where she met and married the love of her life, William "Bill" Lawrence. They shared 46 treasured years together dancing, traveling and raising their four children.
She filled their home with love and "The Sound of Music" with her piano, violin and beautiful singing voice. Betty was a longtime member of Canterbury Voices and shared her musical talents with the Church of the Servant United Methodist Church orchestra and choir for over 35 years.
In addition to teaching, Betty advocated for children as a social worker for DHS and Children's Hospital in Oklahoma City. A long-time resident of Bethany, she was often found at the library and the Westside YMCA aerobic dance class. She also enjoyed ballroom dancing, traveling, socializing, reading, researching genealogy, spending time with family and exploring nature. Although dementia robbed her of her memories, she will always be remembered by those who knew her for her sweet disposition, passion for music, love of nature, devotion to family and zest for life.
Betty was proceeded in death by her loving husband, Bill Lawrence, her parents Ernest and Velma Hearn, and brother Earl Hearn. She is survived by her four children and their spouses: Linda Pulliam (Luther), William Lawrence (Nola), Lisa Clark (Brian), Steve Lawrence (Rae Anne); seven grandchildren: Jennifer Snyder (Aaron), Anna Lawrence, Taylor Wilson (Wade), Trevor Clark, Austin Clark, Connor Lawrence and William Lawrence; and four great-grandchildren: Kasen & Kally Wilson, William & John Snyder. She is also survived by her brother-in-law Stephen Lawrence and his wife Violet. Due to the pandemic, a private family service will be held. In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting music programs of your choice.