Watertown, NY (Sulphur Springs) - Norma R. Lawrence, 91, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 27, 2025 at Samaritan Summit Village, where she had resided since May 28, 2025.

Born on November 3, 1933, to Carl and Margaret (Grandjean) Resseguie, she was a 1951 graduate of Hounsfield Central School, now Sackets Harbor Central School. On June 8, 1952, she married the love of her life, James L. Lawrence, Sr., at the Sulphur Springs United Methodist Church with the Rev. Wilbur Hull officiating.  Following his discharge from the US Army in 1954, they moved from Fort Bragg, NC to Norwood, NY where they lived until 1957, then moved to Sulphur Springs where they raised their family and lived the rest of their married life.  Together they built a life grounded in love, faith, family, and commitment to their community.  

Norma was an active member of Sulphur Springs United Methodist Church, Sulphur Springs Star Grange #9, and the Women’s Christian Temperance Union.  She served on the Sackets Harbor Central School Board of Education from 1970 to 1973 and as Board President in 1972 and Vice President in 1973.  She was employed as an administrative assistant at the Watertown Urban Mission from 1974 to 1986.

Norma will be remembered for her quiet strength, her unwavering kindness, and the deep love and devotion she had for her family. 

She is survived by her two sons: James L. Lawrence, Jr. and wife Cynthia, Sulphur Springs and Kenneth M. Lawrence, Sr. and companion, Christine Banville, Adams Center; and a daughter, Vonnice L. Joels and husband Stephen, Sulphur Springs; ten grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild. She is also survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Brenda and Freeman Shaw, Punta Gorda, FL; sister-in-law, Shirley Fields of Winston Salem, NC; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. 

Norma is predeceased by her beloved husband, Jim, having been married for 64 years before his passing on September 29, 2016; along with two brothers in law and one sister in law.

She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.  

Norma’s family is extremely thankful for the exceptional care she received from the dedicated caregivers that ultimately allowed her to remain comfortably at her home for many years.  Her family is also grateful for the incredibly kind and compassionate staff during her time at Samaritan Summit Village.  Norma was truly blessed by her church family with their continual  love and support.

There will be no calling hours.  A funeral will be held Monday, August 4, 2025 at 11 AM at the Sulphur Springs United Methodist Church with Rev. Jennifer Stamm officiating.  Burial will follow in the Sulphur Springs Cemetery. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to Piddock Funeral Home Inc., Adams, NY. 

Memorial donations may be made to the Sulphur Springs United Methodist Church, c/o John Mantle, 30 Hungerford Avenue, Adams, NY 13605.

Condolences and memories may be made at www.piddockfuneralhome.com