Elizabeth Lawrence

Born on March 17, 1919

Departed on December 16, 2016 and resided in Nashville, Tennessee

Lawrence, Elizabeth Surles, December 16, 2016,

Born March 17, 1919. Preceded in death by parents Robert Edward and Lora Surles of Cuthbert, Georgia and brother Edward Surles of Summerville, Georgia.

Elizabeth is survived by her beloved husband, Risley P. Lawrence and her children, Wendy Lawrence Zerface (Jim), Rusty Lawrence (Suzie), all of Nashville; grandchildren, Lellyett Wentworth (Bert Koch), Amanda Wentworth (Tom Gannon), Hamlin Lawrence Ghee (Scott), Ian Lawrence and Raef Lawrence; great granddaughter, Risley Georgianne Gannon.

Elizabeth was born in Cuthbert, Georgia, and attended Andrew Junior College before earning a scholarship to Vanderbilt University. She was a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority. After graduating in 1940 she worked at National Life Insurance Company and married the love of her life in 1942. They spent 74 wonderful years together, vacationing with friends in Maine and Florida, traveling the world and cruising with family and friends, playing bridge and tennis, and serving their family, church and community. Elizabeth was grateful that she could share her home with both her mother and Risley's father when they needed care. She was a lifelong member of Vine Street Christian Church. She was a youth sponsor, Christian Women's Fellowship president, deacon, elder and committee member. Working in her community, Elizabeth was a board member of the Girl Scouts, YWCA and the Fannie Battle Day Home. She enjoyed her membership in the Centennial Club, the Study Club, Shadow Hills Garden Club and the Charlotte Pearl Tennis Group, playing tennis until she was 80 years old. She was an avid photographer, developing her own photos, a great listener, full of understanding and a flirt of epic proportions. Her ability to make people laugh improved with her age. Elizabeth will be remembered as a beautiful and loving woman who touched all of her family, friends and everyone she met with her sincere and caring nature. She was so very grateful for a long and happy life and we were all so grateful for her. The family wants to especially thank the staff of caregivers at Burton Court Assisted Living for all their sincere kindness to Risley and Elizabeth. Rev. Thomas Kleinert and Rev. Greg Rumburg will conduct a memorial service at 3:00pm on Sunday, January 8 at Vine Street Christian Church with visitation in the sanctuary beginning at 2:00pm. In memory of Elizabeth Lawrence, contributions may be made to Vine Street Christian Church 4101 Harding Pike, Nashville, TN 37205.