Attorney Johnson received his call to be with the Lord Tuesday, December 29, 2020, at Baylor Scott & White Hillcrest Medical Center in Waco.
Public Viewing: 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Monday, January 4, at Lake Shore Funeral Home
Funeral Service: 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 5, at Lake Shore Funeral Home
Burial: Oakwood Cemetery
CLICK HERE to view the Live Stream of the service.
Reflections of the life of Attorney Lawrence E. Johnson:
Lawrence Edward Johnson was born September 22, 1948, in Waco, Texas to the late Emmitt Todd and Hazel Johnson Haynes
He graduated from Carver High School in 1967 (Waco, Texas) and was the Class Valedictorian. He received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering from Prairie View A&M. He graduated from George Washington University and earned a Juris Doctor Degree (Law Degree) with honors in May 1976. He has been a member of State Bar of Texas since 1976 and presently a member of the Waco McLennan County Bar Association.
He had an extensive professional and business life. He was a successful self employed Attorney in his own private practice for 44 years and handled a full range of criminal and civil cases, including jury trails.
In the civic community, Attorney Johnson served on the Waco City Council, the McLennan Community College Board of Trustees, Waco-McLennan County Legal Aid, Waco Planning Commission, Northeast Neighborhood Council, Waco Boys & Girls Club, YMCA of Central Texas, Sponsor of several youth organizations: Eastern Little League, Heart O’ Texas Youth, Brazos Gators, Football-Pee Wee Tackle Division, Zeta Gents, and sponsor for the Phi Delta Kappa Sorority’s Lean-on-Me-Monday Tutoring Program. As a sponsor of the Lean-on-Me-Monday Tutoring Program, Lawrence recruited other men to support the youth. He was a member of several boards including, Sickle Cell Anemia Board, Board member for EOAC, Member of the Advisory Board for Passport to Success, United Way, Waco Housing Authority Board of Commissioners, and served as president of the local chapter of the NAACP. Lawrence provided service and support to AJ Moore High School Alumni Association and Wesley United Methodist Church. He was named Man of the Year (1994) for the Central Texas Annual Conference of AME Church, Citizen of the Year (1994-1995) for Omicron Upsilon Chapter Omega Psi Phi and Alpha of the year (1996) for Epsilon Epsilon Lambda Chapter Alpha Phi Alpha.
Attorney Johnson served on the Waco City Council and Mayor-Pro-Tem (1990-2000). During Attorney Johnson’s tenure on the City Council, he spearheaded the efforts in having a street named in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and the City of Waco declared Dr. King’s birthday an official holiday for the City of Waco. Lawrence was also a catalyst in the naming of the street, J.J. Flewellen Road.
He was also instrumental in the advancement of equal employment opportunities by helping to hire the first African American City Attorney, the first African American City Secretary, the first African American Assistant City Manager, the first female City Manager, and the first Latino Police Chief as well as promoting the hiring of minorities in other key positions throughout city government.
Attorney Johnson was a member of Carver Park Baptist Church for over 40 years where he served as the Church Financial Administrator, Usher Board, Trustee Board, SMILE BIG Ministry, Sunday School Ministry, Deacon Board and Financial Fitness Committee. He served on the Building Committee for both church expansion projects: Sanctuary and Balcony Expansions. He also served as the chairperson of the Pulpit Committee which presented the Pastoral candidates to the church prior to the selection of Rev. Dr. Gaylon Foreman as Pastor.
He was a Life member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. Charter President of the Eta Gamma Chapter at Prairie View A&M University, and President of the Epsilon Epsilon Lambda Chapter, Waco.
He was preceded in death by his father, Emmitt Todd; and brother, Willie Johnson.
He leaves to cherish his memory: loving and devoted wife of 32 years, Bernice Johnson of Waco; daughter, Daphne Johnson of Fort Worth; son, Lawrence (Alicia) Johnson Jr., of Cypress; daughter, Dimitria Lankford of Waxahachie; daughter, LaShunia Jones of Plano; mother, Hazel Johnson Haynes of Waco; sister, Alicia Grinage of Carrollton; brother, Phillip Haynes of Waco; brother-in-laws and sister-in-laws; Larry (Brenda) Lewis of Waco; Verlon Lewis of Marlin; Tommy (Wanda) Lewis of Moreno Valley, California; Evangelist Betty (Elder Troy) Allen of Marlin; Pastor Valda Rose and George Russ of Baltimore Maryland; first cousin, Pastor Alvin Taylor of Waco; two grandchildren, Joseph Lankford and Sydney Jones; several nieces, nephews; and a host of other relatives and many friends.
Place of Service: Lake Shore Funeral Home , 5201 Steinbeck Bend; Waco, TX 76708
Print Obituary & Condolences
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son, my deepest condolences to you and family during this sad occasion. If you need me for anything, please don’t hesitate to ask.
To Bernice and family,
My heartfelt condolences to you. Keeping you in my prayers.
Lyn C.
My heartfelt sympathy to the family. May God strengthen you daily during your bereavement. Remember your friend is here to help you through this season of your life.
We lost a friend, leader, and soldier for justice in Lawrence Johnson. God bless his family, his memory and his singular accomplishments for his community. Heaven has gained another freedom fighter.
My sympathy to the Johnson family
Mrs. Bernice Johnson, My family send you love and God’s praise in this time. You need to know that you have always been in our prayers!! God BLESS and he will keep you lifted and be there whenever you call his name!! I do not have your address. When I saw you that day I had no idea!!! I RESPECT you.. Please do not hesitate to let me know if you need to pray or talk!!! You are strong in your faith and is favored in his grace and love. Please have a blessed new year.
The Madison family would like to express our condolences for your loss. We prey that God will watch over and give you peace.
Bernice and family, I extend heartfelt and sincere condolences to you. My prayer is that God continues to bless you, strengthen you and give you peace during this sad time. Lawrence has made and shared many milestones within the Waco community. His presence and service to the Waco community will be sorely missed. Although painful now, keep him close in heart by the many memories you have made and shared. Keeping you and your family in prayer.
Barbara
Brother Johnson served as Etta Gamma undergraduate president the year I pledged Alpha Phi Alpha in 1971. After reading all of the many accomplishments one can see the hand of God orchestrating his life’s journey. He served his God and community well. Rest in Heaven Brother Lawerence. My deepest condolencesj to the family.
Fraternally
Earl J. Bullock, Jr., Retired Educator
PVAM Class of ‘73
We’re so sorry for your loss. We pray that God will give you strength during this difficult time. God bless you and your family.
Curtis and Iris Hurst
Sad news to hear of your passing. Thoughts and prayers for your family. You were quite a powerhouse in the legal community and one of my favorites to practice against, because despite the fact we were always on opposite sides of a case, we always treated each other with kindness and respect while zealously representing our client. I will miss sharing coffee and doughnuts with you at pretrials.
Ms. Bernice Johnson and Family, my heartfelt sympathy and condolences are hereby extended for your loss . May God wrap his arms of comfort and strength about you all during this difficult time. My heart is sadden on the loss of my Alpha Phi Alpha Brother who made me. When you all resided in the Washington, DC area, I came over many times. Maybe you remember me or remember him talking about George Walton or “Boogaloo” that they called me, while pledging Alpha Phi Alpha at Prairie View A&M. His great philosophical and entrepreneurial spirit would wear on you and was something you just could not shake. This is something that was embedded within me and I will always remember and cherish it forever. May God Bless you and the family. RIP my Alpha Brother!
George Walton, Patent Consultant/Advisor/Agent
PV A&M, Class of 1972
Mechanical Engineering
Isaac C. Gouldsby, Jr.
It is with sadness for the loss of our fraternity brother life Lawrence Johnson – He was and always be a great man of Alpha Phi Alpha, Inc. May he rest in peace. Lawrence was an Alpha man that made the Eta Gamma Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha chapter of Prairie View A&M Unviversity
Fraternally,
Isaac C. Gouldsby, Jr.
Founding Brother of Eta Gamma Chapter – Prairie View A&M Universityt
Lawrence and I entered Prairie View in 1967 and pledge Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity together. We were friends and frat brothers for more than 50 years. In that time, Lawrence was a person who tried to make the world a better place. In doing so, he help to make each of us become better. I know he is now meeting with Sedrick Susberry, Richard Blair, Zollie Johnson, and Johnnie Johnson to talk about our days at PV and while pledging. We will miss you.
To the Johnson Family,
Sending my prayers and condolences for your loss. Lawrence was my classmate and friend. I will remember him for his courage to always excel, work hard and help others. He definitely has earned his wings. May he now rest in peace🙏🏾
Soror Bernice, I am so sorry for your loss. Lawrence and I grew up in the same neighborhood and attended Carver together. I pray God comforts and strengthens you during this time.
As a former Carver High School classmate please accept my sincere condolences for your family’s loss. I would also like to express my family’s gratitude for Lawrence’s efforts, while serving on the Waco City Council, in spearheading the name change of Dripping Springs Rd to honor my late father J. J. Flewellen. Lawrence will not only be missed by his family but by friends and the community he served.
Gail Flewellen Brooks
C.H.S. Class of ’67
To The Family of Lawrence Johnson, I extend my sincerest sympathy on this terrible unexpected loss. While no one and nothing can fill the hole created by your loss allow the happy memories that you made together be a consolation today and all the days ahead. When the bridge of grief seems shaky and long, look up. God will provide the strength and comfort you need during the difficult times.
Mrs. Lynette Lewis Smith
Friend and Class of 1967
Remembering my friend, my former neighbor & classmate…
To the family, My deepest sympathy. It’s times like these when we realize life is so precious. I can’t comprehend the depth of your pain, but know that I I stand alongside you & your family in this darkness.. .
Daphne Johnson and family:
My dear Soror, please accept my most sincere prayers and condolences for you and your family during this time. I am asking God to send the ministering angels to you to respond to, meet and exceed your every need. God bless you and may the love and peace of God cover and protect you.
My heart felt sympathy to you Bernice and your family. May God give you strength and peace during this time.
Carolyn Johnson
Daphne and Lawrence Jr.
You were the light of your Daddy’s life from the moment you were born. His love for you knew no bounds. Your Daddy was very proud of the adults you have become. He was an excellent Father and a good man. Take comfort in knowing your Daddy rests in the arms of our Lord Jesus. I love you, Mama.
Bernice and family God,I want to extend my heartfelt condolences to you.Attorney Johnson has made a great impact on the city of Waco,Tx that will carry on and we are thankful for his contributions. I pray that God will give you the strength,peace and love to carry you through this difficult time.May God bless you all.
To the Johnson family,
Lawrence was a classmate and I remember how very intelligent he was. I am so sorry for your loss and I’m praying for your comfort and strength during this time of sorrow.
Jeannie Walker
My name is Hazel Williams. I am sending condolences on my dads behalf. Billy Williams. He said Mr. Johnson was a good friend to me. It didn’t matter what time he called …he always answered him. He was a good man.
I would like to thank him for all he did for my dad. He was always just one phone call away. Condolences to the family and friends. Prayers to all
To the Johnson Family: You all are in my prayers and May God keep his hands on you. Lawrence my first cousin is a great example on how you live your life. He is smart, intelligent, and he loves the Lord. I met Lawrence when I was just a teenager and I wanted to be just like him. He was very knowledgeable and loved to know what everyone in our family doing. Thanks for caring and helping all the people you helped. Lawrence you rest and take a bow. Cousin you did that! We all love you but God loves you best. RIP Mr. Lawrence Edward Johnson
My sweet Bernice, I am so sorry for your loss. Know that you are in my prayers and thoughts. I have such happy memories of you from the time you were my student and then as a professional colleague. I remember your marriage to Lawrence and the joy you experienced. May God hold you in His loving and peaceful hands. My sympathy to your family also. Lawrence will be remembered for his positive contributions to the Waco community and for the many lives he touched through his law practice.
Dr. Rita Spinn
With my deepest sympathy to the Johnson family
My prayers and condolences to the family. May God give you peace that surpasses all understanding.
He will be missed in the Waco legal community. His family will be in my prayers.
Ms. Bernice Johnson and Family, my wife Barbara and I extend our deepest sympathies on your loss of your husband and father Lawrence. Lawrence and I pledged Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated together in the fall of 1968 while attending Prairie View A&M University; we have been fraternity brothers for over 52 years. As engineering students we took many of the same classes during which Lawrence demonstrated his outstanding intellect. During our pledging and afterward Lawrence was the one person who picked up our spirits when we experienced hardships. He was a glass “half full” kind of person. It is not a surprise to me that he has a life full of achievements and accomplishments. At this time and always, it is my prayer that the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, comfort you (2 Corinthians 1:3-5).
Lawrence was my only 1st cousin on my mother side his father and my mother was sister and brother we had some great times together when he would come to San Antonio to visit he will be greatly missed RIH my dear cousin….
Kenneth L Vaughn
On behalf of Pop Walton’s BBQ and Family we are sorry for your loss and our prayers are with you all. Mr. Johnson will truly be missed.
Soror Bernice, My heartfelt sympathy to you and your family. I pray that the precious memories will comfort you, the word of God will sustain you and the love of family and friends will renew and restore you as you trust God during this season of loss.
Geraldine Coleman
To Bernice and family. To my extended family I’m so sorry for your loss. My deepest condolences. He will be missed by not only his family but the community he served for many years. A hometown civil rights ICON. Let’s make sure he is remembered outside of the city limits of Waco. He deserved that much after years of service to the community.
Very Respectfully
To: Bernice, & children you have our prayers. Daphne and Lawrence Jr., both bought joy to your Father Lawrence from your birth and forever more. His smile lit up when talking about all his children. Carolyn thank you for your devotional friendship that you both shared throughout the years in the wellbeing of your children together; which will always be remembered. Memories of his professionalism in the law, servanthood, & dedication at Carver Park during the Pastoring of Rev. Gilbert and present Pastor Foreman will forever be known. Lawrence reminded us of the Watchman on the Wall when came to his service. We love you all, Elder Juno Haywood Tapp, Snellville, GA.
To all of the Daphne, Lawrence, Dimitria, & LaShunia always remember you all have been truly love by a great Christian devoted godman/father. He gave his very best, yet he wanted so much more for you all. You have our love, condolence, and prayers, in JESUS name amen ⛪
Gone but not forgotten Rest in Peace
The Lord Giveth
To Bernice and Family. I am so sorry for your loss. Lawrence’s passing is also a profound loss to our Community. We in Waco owe a deep gratitude to the many good deeds passed on to each one of us by Lawrence. He made Waco a better place to live for all of us. Lawrence was a life long friend of my late Father, Judge Joe Johnson. My Father often talked of Lawrence. Rest in Peace my brother.
Daphne Johnson and family. Our deepest sympathy we extend to you for your loss. No words we can offer will comfort you greater than the arms of God. Know that He is with you now and always.
It is with our deepest expressions of condolences for the loss of our friend and brother, Lawrence Johnson. May the Lord give strength to His people! May the Lord bless His people with peace. Psalm 29:11
Respectfully,
The Baugh Family
Houston, Texas
To Bernice and all of the children, you have our prayers and condolence.
Dear Bernice,
Thank you for sharing Lawrence’s service with us. Lawrence’s unsolicited support of Corey when we first moved to Waco was one of the first actions that made me feel a part of Carver Park. He continued to support and care for Corey and other children. I loved Lawrence’s smile and sense of humor. Being in his presence always brought me joy. In fact, I was thinking of him before Thanksgiving, because I was missing having in-person church. He and I would generally run in to each other before service in the fellowship hall. I was thinking about how I missed his joyful greeting on Sunday mornings. Now he will be waiting to greet us on that great getting up morning!
Blessings,
Peaches
My deepest sympathy during this time. May god be with you and give you strength. Lawrence is a amazing man overall. To my cousins Larry Johnson, and Daphne Johnson god is with you and to go him for comfort. I love you, your cousin. Tonya Anderson
Johnson Family,
It’s so hard to lose someone you love, and the words can’t take away the sadness you feel, please know that your family has our heart felt sympathy during this difficult time.
David III and Sherri Swinson
I first met Mr. Lawrence Johnson many years ago as a result of our chosen professions. Throughout the years, not once did he ever have an excuse to not have the time to speak with me. We always allowed each other to offer our opinions, even if we agreed to disagree at the time. I would often refer back to some of our conversations when I was struggling with a work related decision. Thank you Lawrence for always having the time for everyone, sharing your wisdom and experience, and all that you have done for your community. Rest in peace, sir; and know that your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Respectfully,
J.R. Price
Bernice,
Words cannot express the sadness I feel thinking about your loss. I didn’t get to personally meet your husband but watched the video and see how special he was to each of you.
You are in my prayers and thoughts. Although your heart is heavy; look to the Lord for help. He is the one to help you and will hold your hand.
May God be with you!
Much love and Blessings,
Your cousin Pat, Derrick’s mom, Amarillo, Texas