Brian Norman Lawrence

Brian Norman Lawrence was born on April 2, 1987, in Queens, New York to Yvonne Small-Lawrence and her former husband, Norman Lawrence. He departed this life on December 11, 2016, after a life-long battle with sickle cell disease. Throughout his life, Brian was an outstanding student, graduating with Honors from Redan Elementary School (Ga.), earning straight A's at Palm Bay High School (before his illness impacted school attendance), earning his certificate as an ROTC cadet, and attending Palm Beach State College where he studied computer programming. He was also a computer whiz kid, gifted songwriter, active participant in the Junior Toast Masters of Palm Bay, and avid Bible reader. Brian enjoyed an active life notwithstanding his health challenges, serving as a member of the Cub Scouts, a member of the Bruce Street Recreational Center basketball team (Ga.), and traveling extensively with family and friends, including vacations in two of his favorite places (Jamaica and California). Brian enjoyed being with his family, including the joy of his life, daughter Saige (age 2). He spent countless hours with his devoted mother Yvonne, big brother Bobby, father Norman, special cousin/best friend Thandeka, special cousin Walter, his large and extended family, and numerous other friends (including confidant Elijah Samuels). Because he suffered so much, we loved him too much to wish him a longer stay here with us. Brian leaves behind daughter Saige, his devoted mother, Yvonne Small-Lawrence, father, Norman Lawrence (Michelle), beloved big brother Robert Lawrence, sister Elora aka Pauline Kirton (Colin), younger brothers, Everett and Michael Lawrence, step-sister, Alex Hayden, grandparents, Aston and Winnifred Small, grandmother, Hilda Townsend, and numerous other family members.