Dolores Jane Gardner Lawrence

November 16, 1943 - January 12, 2024

Dolores Jane Gardner Lawrence passed from this life on January 12, 2024, at the age of 80. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, February 3, at 10:00 am at the Methodist Church in Aspermont. A visitation for family and friends will be held on Friday, February 2, from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm at the Methodist Church Fellowship Hall.

Dolores was born on November 16, 1943, in Lubbock, Texas to Martha Sue and Henry Gardner. Dolores’ “15 Minutes of Fame” came early in life, as she was the first baby born at the Reese Army Air Field during World War II. Martha Sue frequently told the story of how many airmen came to the nursery, stood at the window to see the new baby, admire how beautiful she was, and think of their own families back home. Henry and Martha Sue eventually moved to Aspermont. Dolores graduated from Aspermont High School, a proud member of the class of 1962. She married Calvin Lawrence on June 17, 1962. Calvin passed away in June 2012, concluding a marriage of 50 years.

Dolores and Calvin had many adventures, including the “JC Penney Years”, where Calvin worked for JC Penney. This job allowed the family to travel to the southeastern states of the US. Dolores often said Calvin’s job with JC Penney allowed them to see parts of the US they would not have been able to see otherwise. One adventure included seeing Elvis Presley live in Oklahoma City in 1972, as Dolores was a devoted fan of Elvis! Calvin and Dolores returned to Aspermont, where Dolores held several jobs, including working at Aspermont ISD for 17 years. Dolores was involved in many church activities, including the Walk to Emmaus events in the Cross Country Emmaus Community. Dolores and Calvin then moved to Granbury, where they owned and operated “Sun Country Fashions”. Dolores and Calvin eventually moved to Houston, where they retired to enjoy time with family.

Dolores was a woman of many giftings – incredible artistic ability, gracious hospitality, delicious meals, and the appreciation of valuing friends and family who entered into her world. Dolores had the gift of making each person feel special and valued, sharing her love of Jesus with all she encountered.

The family would like to thank the dedicated professionals at Dogwood Trails Manor in Woodville and Olive Branch Hospice Care for their guidance and compassionate care of our Mom and Mama Dee. Dolores faced Dementia and Alzheimer’s with courage and dignity, remaining steadfast in her character and in her trust in God. Words cannot express our gratitude for the love and care shown to our mom these past few years!

Dolores is survived by 3 daughters – Tanya Lawrence of Spring, Texas, Kristi Carstensen and husband Ricky of Big Spring, Texas and Jennifer Seal and husband David of Kingwood, Texas. She also has 5 grandchildren, who she loved more than life itself – Jacob Lang, Sarah and Karis Carstensen, and Ryan and Kyle Seal, her sister Linda Conner and husband Garrell of Kemp, Oklahoma and her brother Gary Gardner and wife Brenda of Kingwood, Texas, as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews who adored her. Our loss is definitely heaven’s gain, and we rejoice with Dolores as she is finally with her Lord and Savior in heaven. May we live our lives in a manner that honors this incredible woman! “Many daughters have done well, but you excel them all. Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.” Proverbs 31:29-30. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to the Aspermont ISD Beautification Project, 528 East 7th Street, Aspermont, Texas 79502.