Mary Ann was born in Riner, Virginia in February 1925 and grew up on a dairy farm as the youngest of five children. She worked as a telephone operator in Christiansburg then transferred to Norfolk, VA where she met her future husband on a double date. They dated briefly and then David Lawrence, a yeoman in the Navy, was sent to the Philippines. After the war, David Lawrence proposed and they were married in June, 1946. David Lawrence had a neighborhood grocery store and later a hardware store in Ocean View. They raised three children, Ellen (Pesko), Patti (Weisz)and David Lawrence. They enjoyed the beach and parks in the Ocean View area and often went to concerts and dances. An excellent seamstress, Mary Ann made all the clothes for the children as well as draperies and slipcovers. She liked to garden and had a yard full of flowers and vegetables. She also had a talent for business and managed the grocery store when Dave moved to the hardware business. She was always there with a meal for neighbors who had a crisis or provided transportation when someone couldn’t drive. Today, she has nine grandchildren and eight great grandchildren who will miss her greatly. She was the heart of the family and everyone was touched by her energy and loving care. A graveside service will be held in Norfolk, Va on October 24, 2015 at 3PM in St. Mary’s Cemetery.