Lawrence M. Jefferson

Lawrence Maurice Jefferson was born on July 17, 1965 to Betty Bernetta White and the late Tyrone William Jefferson in Washington, D.C. Lawrence received his formal education in the Washington, DC public school system and later attended Central High School in Seat Pleasant, MD. Lawrence was preceded in death by his father, Tyrone Jefferson; maternal grandparents, Bernard and Constance White (née Jerman); and brother, Darrell White. 

Lawrence (Big L or Herman – yes, from the television show The Munsters) held many jobs throughout the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. He had a passion for cooking, which he learned how to do while living in North Carolina with his grandmother Constance White. Lawrence loved food in general, but homecooked meals were the way to his heart.  He had an abundant appetite and could eat you out a house and home if you let him. When it came to Lawrence being in the kitchen, he was known to be able to invent meals from whatever ingredients were on hand. He literally made some of the craziest combinations of foods taste amazing, things you might never think to  combine, like leftover gravy with “Oodles of Noodles.” Lawrence had the type of personality that people gravitated to because he was lively, funny, outgoing, and loved to have a good time. He would either have you shaking your head or laughing at something crazy he has said or did. Lawrence was a huge Dallas Cowboys fan and had a major dislike for the Washington football team (Redskins). 

He loved music (GoGo), dancing, playing cards, and having his picture taken. If there were a camera, Lawrence was either in front of it or somewhere in the background throwing up the peace sign. If you were planning a cook-out and needed a grill master, you could always count on him to be there. You just had to make sure there was enough food for him to make several plates afterward. Lawrence was also very good with his hands, and so he was often the handyman to fix things around the house. He never wanted much in return, just a couple of dollars, a pack of cigarettes, and a maybe a cold beer, if that was on hand. Lawrence loved his family so much and would often call them at all hours of the night and morning  just to ask, “What you doing?” Given his habit of late night and very early morning calls, the response by the person being called was invariably, “sleeping.” Lawrence was often up late because he could not sleep or was preparing a midnight snack, such as fried chicken. Regardless of how many times you told him not to call at those times, he did it anyway, and he always ended his phone calls with “I love you.” In the end, Lawrence lived his life exactly the way he wanted, which was to the fullest. When you think of Lawrence, remember him at his best and at his happiest, when he was the best version of himself that he could be:  funny, generous, loyal, quick to help out, easy to forgive, and a bit of a joker. Remember that life is fragile and short and should be lived to the fullest.   

Lawrence leaves to cherish his memory, four children, Lawrence and Michael Williams and  Joslyn and Nicholasa Jefferson; his mother, Betty White; three sisters, LaShawn Jefferson (Nicholas), Courtney Johnson-Newman (Ashleigh), and Nichole White; two brothers, Antoine Kemp and Warren Jefferson; four grandchildren, Kymani, Josiah, Dakarai, and Carmen; four nieces, Vertania (Tanny), Taylor, Naomi, and Isabella (Bella); a nephew, Aijaz; an uncle, Johnny White (June); and three paternal aunts, Deborah, Sheila, and Shirley. He also leaves to cherish his memory a host of cousins and other loving relatives and his extended family, including, Annette, Michele, Brittnay, Chanel, and Chanay Williams; Tabatha, Porsha, and Charisma Boyce; and two best friends, Delvin Tate and Freddie Jones. 

Please join the family virtually via Zoom for the memorial service. Please ensure your device is muted throughout the service. Thank you!

Meeting ID: 748 997 3349
Password: 12345


 

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