Shirley A. Lawrence, 85 of Brazil, passed away January 7, 2021 at 2:40 pm at her home surrounded by her family. She was born September 4, 1935 in Carlisle, IN, the daughter of William Robbins and Ola Arnett Robbins. She went to Perth Grade School, and then graduated from Brazil High School, Class of 1953. She started her nursing career at Ivy Tech with her LPN license. She later furthered her nursing career as an RN with an Associates Degree from Indiana State University in 1985.
Shirley started her nursing at Clay County Hospital on June 3, 1966 and she retired on August 3, 2013. During these years at the hospital, she also worked at Cloverleaf Healthcare, the Clay County Health Center and at Union Hospital. She worked full time, part time and went to school all during the same time.
Shirley married Donald Lawrence on February 20, 1954 and together, she and Donnie raised their children in Clay County. They are members of Grace Chapel and enjoy their church family. Family has always been a priority for Donnie and Shirley. They have enjoyed family vacations and weekly Saturday Breakfasts together at local restaurants.
She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Betty, Ruby, Ruth, Doris, Dave, Tom, Bob, Marion “Skip”, and William; daughter in law, Joyce Lawrence and their grandson, Cam King.
Survivors include her devoted husband Don Lawrence; their children, D. Steve Lawrence of Evansville, Stephanie Johnson (Mike) of Sarasota, Cindy Hicks (Troy), and Missy King (Rob) all of Brazil; grandchildren, Brandy Greco (Julian), Ryan Lawrence (Brittany), Jerry Johnson (Sara), Mike Okulovich (Beth), Eric King (Lyndsey), Lottie Thiemann (Adam); 15 great-grandchildren; one brother, Charlie Robbins (Pat) of Rosedale and a large extended family.
Graveside services will be held on Sunday, January 10, 2021 at 2:00pm at Calcutta Cemetery with Pastor Tim Russell officiating. Burial will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Shirley are directed to YMCA, Clay County Youth Food Delivery Program. Post a note of condolence at www.frenchfuneralhome.com