Jack Alan Carroll Lawrence came into this world in Nashville, Tennessee on September 14, 1938. He left this veil on Sunday, January 7, 2018, going home to be with the Lord after an extended battle with cancer.
Jack was called to pastoral ministry in his mid-30s, and served congregations in Texas, Nebraska, Louisiana, and Alaska before returning to his native West Virginia. In the Mountain State, Jack initially pastored the Henning Church of God in Greenbrier County, and was then called to the Abney Street Church of God in St. Albans, where he was Senior Pastor from 1987 to 2017.
Jack married the love of his life, Linda Carol Hudson, in 1960. He is survived by Linda, and their three children, Michael (Marianne), John (Hope), and Margaret Hill (Tom).
Raised in the Kanawha Valley by Stanley and Arleen Lawrence (may they rest in peace), he was the oldest of 9 children, and is survived by David (Betty), Jane Pauley, Danny, Vickie Thaxton, Rosemary Bolano, Tim, and Candy Statkus, as well as 10 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren, with another great grandchild on the way. His brother Stanley, also known as “Hooker,” predeceased him.
In 1956, at 17, Jack enlisted in the US Air Force. After serving tours in North Africa and across the United States, he returned to the Kanawha Valley, were he met Linda at a South Charleston Black Eagle football game at Oakes Field. Romance and a lifelong marriage followed. Mike, John and Margaret were all born in the 1960s, while Jack and Linda worked various jobs in Charleston and South Charleston.
Driven by his innate intellectual curiosity, Jack earned a history degree from West Virginia State College in 1970, all the while working full time to support his family. He continued to work in the Kanawha Valley until 1974, when, after prayerful consideration and guidance from the pastoral staff of 5th Avenue Church of God in South Charleston, he undertook graduate theological studies in Houston, Texas. While pursuing his graduate studies, he ministered to the Church of God congregation in Alvin, Texas.
In 1976, Jack was called to pastor the Church of God congregation in Fairbury, Nebraska, where he served to 1978. From Fairbury, he was led to the Welcome Home Church of God in West Monroe, Louisiana.
From Welcome Home, Pastor Lawrence was called to missionary work at the Church of God on Kodiak Island Alaska in 1979. Jack fully embraced the rugged lifestyle of the Last Frontier, joyfully and loving serving the Kodiak congregation, but also making time to fish, hike, and drink in the natural beauty of Kodiak. Jack and Linda frequently opened their parsonage home to many transients and college students passing through Kodiak. Hundreds of people found refuge and warm meals in their home.
And from Alaska, God called Jack and Linda back to West Virginia.
Linda and her family grieve Jack’s passing, but take consolation in God’s promise to his Faithful Servants. They are also grateful to friends and former parishioners from across the United States for taking the time to express their condolences. This is a testament to the scope of the lives touched by Jack’s life and ministry.
Service will be 9:00 a.m. Friday, January 12, at the Abney Street Church of God with Rev. Larry McCallister and Rev. Steve Hewitt officiating. Burial will follow at the Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery, 130 Academy Drive, Dunbar, WV 25064.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Abney Street Church of God, 617 Abney St., St. Albans, WV.
In lieu of flowers, Jack requested donations to HospiceCare, 1606 Kanawha Blvd. W., Charleston, WV 25387 or the Abney Street Church of God. The Lawrence Family has been awed by the passionate and professional care extended by Hubbard House.
I corresponded with Jack on Facebook for several years and we talked of his interest in Francis Schaeffer, the great Christian thinker and apologist who was one of my favorite authors. I got off Facebook about a year ago, but Jack has always been in my prayers. His ministry also touched people world-wide.
May you have the comfort and peace of the Holy Spirit to guide you all through the days and months ahead.
Blessings to you all.
We loved you soo much uncle Jack my kids and grandkids are soo grateful to have had you in our lives as well as Mitch. You made such a difference we will forever hold the wonderful memories of our family times together in our hearts love you uncle
Aunt prayer
Love
Marsha Elaine Brehm
I miss say ago king islands ride fun
Miss my uncle Jack lawrence
Love prayer Uncle Jack lawrence
Linda,
Thanks for sharing Jack and your children with us at Kanawha County Public Library. Our hope is in Jesus Christ and our Father who will never “leave us” or “forsake us.”
Sincerely,
Carol
Rest eternal, grant unto him, O LORD,
and may light perpetual shine upon him.
May he rest in peace.
Prayers To The Jack Lawrence Family””Sincerely Mrs Libby Jarrett ”K-Mart”’Charleston WV.25387-2105”
Prayers To The Jack Lawrence” Family ”’Sincerely MS Libby Jarrett””K-Mart”Charleston Wv. 25387