Rev. Robert Aaron Lawrence entered the gates of Heaven on Friday Sept. 23, 2022, and heard the Lord say, “Welcome home, thy good and faithful servant.” Robert was born in Drew, MS on March 25, 1938, the son of Curtis Van Buren and Verlie Maggie Lawrence. At the age of 14, he was born again into the family of God on August 22, 1952, and at age 16, he answered God’s call to preach. To prepare for ministry, he attended Harrison Chilhowee in Tennessee, where he played football, and Clark College in Newton, MS. He later earned his Bachelor of Theology and Master of Theology degrees from Slidell Baptist Seminary in Slidell, LA. His life was spent preaching and teaching the word of God in churches in Mississippi, Arkansas and Tennessee where he pastored Isoline Baptist Church for 18 years. At the time of his death, he was serving at Southwest Baptist Church. He also had an active jail ministry for many years. Sharing the promise of salvation and eternal life was his primary goal in life; however, he also loved farming. Raising corn and watermelons were his favorite, and he enjoyed sharing the fruits of the crops with friends and neighbors.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Yvette, whom he adored. His sons, John, Mark (Kathy), Ruben, and Chet (Tiffany) were his pride and joy, as well as his three granddaughters, Kaylee, Alyssa and Emily. He is also survived by several cousins, nieces and nephews, and special sister-in-law, Linda Burkes and brothers-in-law, Roger Mills (Pat) and Rick Mills (Linda).

He was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings, Curtis, Therrell, Floyd, Horace and Louise.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday September 27, 2022, at 6pm at Liberty Baptist Church. The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 4pm-6pm at the church. Bro. Eddie Davis and Bro. Mike Davis will officiate. Burial will be in Stewart, MS on Thursday at 11am at Reeds Chapel Cemetery.