Gladys Hoard Lawrence, age 90, of Nashville, Tennessee, passed peacefully on May 19, 2025, surrounded by love and faith. Born on February 18, 1935, in Nashville to Gertrude Hoard and Elton Howard, Gladys lived a life of deep purpose, grace, and unwavering devotion to her family, community, and God.
She was educated in the Nashville Public Schools of Davidson County and earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Elementary Education from Tennessee State University. She also pursued post-graduate studies at Memphis State University. Gladys dedicated 36 years of her life to teaching grades 1 through 3 in the Metro Nashville Davidson County School system and spent an additional two years at Bill Wilkerson Hearing and Speech Institute.
On December 26, 1954, Gladys married the love of her life, George Nelson Lawrence, in Nashville. Together, they built a family rooted in love and faith. She was a devoted mother and grandmother, always placing family at the center of her life.
Gladys was beautiful inside and out. Her kindness, poise, and joyful spirit made her beloved by all who knew her. A woman of impeccable style, she was known for her elegance and presence, always the best-dressed in any room. She had a heart for service and was deeply involved in her community and church. A faithful member of the Church of Christ at Jackson Street since age 10, she was a Vacation Bible School teacher, a member of the Ladies Bible Class, and part of OWLS (Older Wiser Leaders in Service). She helped establish the church’s tutorial program, touching countless young lives. She was known by many as “Gigi”.
Gladys was a charter member of the Top Ladies of Distinction, Nashville Capitol City Chapter, and held life membership in the TSU National Alumni Association. She was also active in the United School Workers, the TSU Alumni Organization, and the Hook-Up of Black Women.
A creative soul, Gladys found joy in decorating and celebrating life’s special moments. Through her family business, Creations for Occasions, she expressed her love for beauty and artistry. Her thoughtful touch brought joy to many.
She is survived by her devoted daughter Trudy Lawrence Chandler (Kevin), cherished grandchildren Kierra Chandler and Kevin Chandler Jr., beloved brothers Larry Hoard (Janet) and Jerome Hoard (Vyruss), and a lifelong friend Mary Ellen Forrester Hollands. She also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who were deeply touched by her life.
Gladys is reunited in eternity with her parents, Elton Howard and Gertrude Hoard; her stepfather, Guy Hoard; her beloved daughter, Linda Gayle Lawrence; brothers Lloyal and Tyrone Hoard; and her grandparents Clonia Mai Nunley and Authur Nunley.
At the heart of Gladys’s life was her steadfast faith in God and her deep love for her family. She was a pillar of strength and a beacon of love and wisdom. Her legacy of service, faith, and family will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her.
“Well done, good and faithful servant.”
A gathering of family and friends for Gladys will be held Wednesday, May 28, 2025 from 4:00pm to 8:00pm at Woodlawn-Roesch-Patton Funeral Home & Memorial Park, 660 Thompson Lane, Nashville, TN 37204.
A gathering of family and friends will be held Thursday, May 29, 2025 from 10:30am to 12:00pm at Schrader Lane Church of Christ, 1234 Schrader Lane, Nashville, TN 37208 follow by the celebration of life service at 12:00pm.
Committal service will be held Thursday, May 29, 2025 at 2:00pm at Woodlawn Memorial Park, 660 Thompson Ln, Nashville, TN 37204. https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/nashville-tn
For more obituaries visit https://davidsoncountysource.com/obituaries/
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