Rena Mae Walker Lawrence, affectionately known as Mama Rena, was born on October 16, 1922 in Nashville, Tennessee to Mary and Jesse Walker. Rena loved God and was dedicated to living a life that was pleasing to Him.

As a young girl, Rena walked to church every Saturday with her father, who felt that was the best mode of travel “on God’s Sabbath”.  She was baptized and served as a member of the Hillcrest Seventh-Day Adventist Church. Rena was a graduate of Pearl High School in Nashville, Tennessee.

Rena met the love of her life, Jesse D. Lawrence, and married on January 31, 1939. In 1943, Rena and Jesse moved from Nashville, Tennessee to Akron, Ohio, where they were long-time residents. She worked as a domestic worker in private homes. Her sweet and loving spirit made her a special member of one of the families for whom she worked. She worked for that family for more than 57 years. She kept in touch with them even after she retired. They all held a special place in her heart.

Rena joined Akron Bethel Seventh-Day Adventist Church where she was a faithful member. She served as Minister of Music and the choir director for the Sanctuary Choir. She also served as the church clerk, Sabbath School teacher, and a member of the Ladies Club. Her strong Christian upbringing inspired her to serve as a licensed Bible instructor, introducing people to Christ in Akron and surrounding cities. She would travel to pick up anyone who expressed the desire to attend church. Rena had a heart for people. She cooked “Sabbath dinner” every week. After church, she would invite a house full of people to her home for dinner. She enjoyed making people feel loved and seen. She wrote “thinking of you” letters to those incarcerated or whoever just needed an encouraging word.

Mama Rena loved her family. She could always be found in the kitchen humming her favorite song and whipping up a great meal. On Thanksgiving and Christmas, the smell of fresh homemade rolls would fill the air as each grandchild would sneak into the kitchen to eat one. She had to notice some were missing, but she never said a word. She would cook everything herself – from homemade rolls to chicken and dumplings, homemade ice cream and a family favorite “chow chow” to go on those delicious greens. She made sure bellies were full and everyone had what they needed.

She was proceeded in death by husband of 53 years, Jesse D. Lawrence; parents, Jesse, and Mary Walker; sisters, Mable Platt, and Maggie Hayward; brothers: William “Bubba” Walker and Henry (Mary) Walker; son: Tyree Lawrence; grandsons: Marcus Jones and Anthony Johnson; and her Lawrence In-laws.

She leaves to cherish her memory, daughters: Jeannette Johnson and Elora “Virgina” Jones. Grandchildren: Gizelle (Anthony), Denise (Willie), Jerrie (Anthony), Theresa (Richard), Angela, Katrina, Shawn, and Adrienne. She also leaves great-grandchildren: Candace, Cedric, Cristin, Janiece, Janita, Denzel, Martice, Cierra Rena, Asia, Devon, Dorian, David, Domonique, Charles Dayvon, Chaina, Channing, Chaney, Chondrea, DeWain, Starlena, Charity, Tyree, and a host great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and Godchildren, Carl Matthews Jr., and Caelyn Boyd.

While we delight in the fact that Rena lived a full life filled with love and adventure, she will be greatly missed. We will miss her big laugh, with sayings like, “Go away from here”, “You’re a mess”, “Hey Doll”, “Now you be sweet, ya hear”, and the famous, “Bless your heart”. We will miss her wisdom, her gentle spirit, her patience, her love, her giving heart, and we all have experienced her strong hugs! She was a jewel and a God sent angel that we were all blessed to experience for 101 years! The family prays that however you were touched by the life of Rena Mae Walker Lawrence, that you will continue her giant legacy and keep the memories of her in your hearts while we all await to hear, “Well Done”.