Roberta Thelmarine Lawrence

Roberta Thelmarine Lawrence passed peacefully into eternity on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at her home in Ridgetop, TN. She was born on July 3, 1939, in Greenbrier, Tennessee to loving parents Marshall and Johnella Lawrence. She was the sixth of seven children.

She attended elementary school at Baker Station Church school before attending Haynes High School in Nashville, TN where she was the valedictorian of her class. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in English in 1968 from Tennessee State University, in Nashville, TN where she was recognized in WHO'S WHO AMONG STUDENTS IN AMERICAN UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES, in recognition of excellence and sincerity in scholarship, leadership and, service to the University and promise of future usefulness to business and society. Roberta subsequently earned a master’s degree while pursuing a teaching career. She taught for more than 30 years at Goodlettsville Middle School and was active in many capacities including as a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, a professional sorority for educators.

Roberta was a faithful lifelong member of Bellview Baptist church where she served in many leadership roles over her lifetime including choir soloist, and president of the usher board. She also served as a leader in the Stone River District Baptist Association usher board until her health failed. As an excellent cook and collector of recipes, she was known to ‘put her thumb’ in her dishes. Whether cooking for church or at her home events, her gift of hospitality was always evident. Her life demonstrated her love of God, family and community.

She was instrumental in organizing the first Lawrence Family reunion to be held in Tennessee which ultimately led to a historical tour of the Hermitage where one of the Lawrence family ancestors is highlighted in an exhibit. Her love of history and family served to inform Lawrence generations of their unique heritage. Roberta’s many friends and accomplishments bear witness to the fact that she was loyal, generous, reliable and helpful to all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her siblings, William Lawrence, Robert Lee Lawrence, Thomas Lawrence, Kenneth Lawrence, Marie Lawrence Washington and Martha Ann Lawrence Curtis, and her parents Marshall and Johnella Lawrence.

She is survived by nephews, Wesley Curtis (Cynthia) of Winston Salem, NC, Steve Lawrence (Janice) of Murfreesboro, TN; nieces, Lauren Lawrence (Andre Bellinger) of Nashville, Terri Cage (Al) of Knoxville, Phyllis Lawrence of Mt. Juliet, Marie Lawrence of McDonough, GA; great-nephews, Trey Curtis (Deepti) of Charlotte, NC, Michael Curtis (Autumn) of Nashville, Colin Cage (Amy) of Brooklyn, NY, Drew Cage of Boston, MA and Gregory Ethan Cage of Knoxville, TN, Lewis Powell (Shere) of New York; great-nieces Kristen Curtis of Tampa, FL, Tiffany Ige (Emmanuel) of Nashville, Amber Lawrence of Murfreesboro, Kayla Lawrence of Washington, DC, Waynessa Wilson of Florida; special cousins Anita Smith, Audrey Dowlen, Shawn Dowlen (Brittany), Mark Dowlen, Matt and Jessica Dowlen, special nephew Nyrecus Strayhorn and a host of relatives, Ridgetop neighbors and friends who mourn her passing.

Cole & Garrett Funeral Home and Cremation Services are to oversee the arrangements for Ms. Roberta Lawrence. Family and friends are welcome to gather in celebrating the life of Roberta on Saturday, May 9th, 2026, at Cole & Garrett Funeral Home, located at 127 N. Main St., Goodlettsville, TN 37072. Visitation will be held from 11am – 12pm, with the funeral service to start following the visitation. Interment will be held on the same day at the Greenwood Cemetery, located at 1428 Elm Hill Pike, Nashville, TN 37210.