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Dunbar High School

Washington Dc, District Of Columbia

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Lawrence W. Purnell Obituary

Graduation Year Class of 1953
Date of Passing Jun 30, 2017
About Lawrence Wellington Pernell Sr. of Bowie | 1935 - 2017 | Obituary


Visitation
Tuesday, Jul 11, 2017
10:00 AM-11:00 AM

Funeral Service
Tuesday, Jul 11, 2017
11:00 AM

Graveside Service
Tuesday, Jul 11, 2017
1:00 PM-1:30 PM

Lawrence Wellington Pernell Sr.
April 04, 1935 - June 30, 2017

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The Life of Lawrence Wellington Pernell, Sr.

To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

Ecclesiastes 3:1

A Time to Plant

Lawrence Wellington Pernell Sr., a native of Des Moines, Iowa, was the second son of the late Edward and Lu Verna Pernell. He was born on April 4, 1935. In 1942, Lawrence moved with his family to Washington, DC. He lived in West Hyattsville and Bowie, Maryland for the rest of his life. He accepted Jesus Christ at an early age at The Greater First Baptist Church of Mt. Pleasant Plains, Washington, DC.

A Time to Grow

Lawrence attended Shaw Junior High School and was the President of the February 1953 graduating class of Dunbar Senior High School. He attended Howard University, and was a star baseball player. No one was better in center field than Lawrence.

A Time to Love

While at Howard, Lawrence met the love of his life, Delores Mason. They were married in Rockville, Maryland on April 7, 1956. From this union, one son was born, Lawrence W. Pernell, Jr.

A Time to Build Up

Lawrence worked various jobs until he found permanent employment at the U.S. Postal Service where he was employed for 35 years, reaching the level of management analyst. During his employment, Lawrence served as vice president, Postal Managers Association. He was also an avid member of the Postal Bowling League.

A Time to Embrace

Lawrence was a concerned member of his community and served as an officer of the Villages of Collington Home Owners Association for several years.

A Time to Laugh

In his leisure time, Lawrence was an active member of the Sons of Dunbar and enjoyed going to the horse races, playing Bid Whist, seeing the Washington Redskins, watching the Washington Nationals on TV, and traveling. But above everything, Lawrence most enjoyed his granddaughters and great-grand children. His dedication to them was unparalleled.

A Time to Mourn

He leaves to cherish memories his devoted wife of 61 years, Delores, son Lawrence (Maria); granddaughters Lauren, Mia, and Olivia; great-granddaughters Maya and Leah and great-grandson, Devin. In addition, he is survived by his brothers Lloyd (Carolyn) and Frederick (Helen) and sister Connie Scurlock; as well as nieces, nephews and other relatives. Brother Charles Pernell, and sister Hershey Lily preceded him in death.
Lawrence W. Purnell