Always in Our Hearts

Edward Ray Lawrence (Red), 53, of Monroe, passed away on March 24, 2023 in Monroe, LA. Edward was born in Monroe to Ernest Smith and Bobby Nell Lawrence Smith on August 26, 1969. He attended Carroll High School and went on to study at Southern University. Edward married Kimberly Haynes Lawrence on July 30, 2005, in Monroe, LA. He was an entrepreneur and worked as President and Owner of Celebrity Stylist Beauty School and Celebrity Barber School. He was also a franchise owner of Sport Clips. Edward is preceded in death by Bobby Nell Lawrence Smith (mother), Ernest Smith (father), Albert Smith (step-father), Kevin Smith (brother), and Sheila Smith (sister), along with his grandparents Gilbert and Almeda Lawrence Sr. and Zelma Carter. Edward is survived by his wife, Kimberly Haynes Lawrence, with whom he shared two children, Justin Ray Lawrence and Aliya Rae Lawrence. Before their union, two sons were born, Kameron Mayfield and Amari Davis. Edward had four sisters and two brothers: Deborah Ann Smith, Almeda Smith Kendrick (Delvin), Delores McFarland, and Anthony Smith (Serrita). He had one grandson, Amari Venson Davis Jr.; cousins: Joseph Jones, Carla Elmore Roberson, Stephanie Lawrence Tobias, Danielle Bradely, Pearlene Badger, Ruth Ann Jackson, and one aunt, Yvonne Marles. Nieces and nephews he helped rear include David Smith, Ashley Jyles (Steven), Arielle Lee (Devon), and DeLysa Smith, along with a host of other nieces, nephews, and Godsister Connie Butler. His funeral pallbearers will be Bakari Handy, Lewey Mims, Aubery Ballard, Denzell Badger, Emmanuel Baker, Antoinne Haynes, Corwin Haynes, and Mike Jackson. Honorary pallbearers are Anthony Smith, Delvin Kendrick, Joseph Jones, Steven Jyles, Devon Lee, Albert Gayden, Eddie Gayden, Keith Houston, and Wayne 'Lick' Rob. His family would like to thank everyone for their words of comfort, calls, flowers, many thoughts of kindness, and encouragement in this time of bereavement. Special thanks to Saint Francis Hospital, Greater New Antioch Baptist Church, and Bishop Lynch High School (Dallas, TX) His funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM, April 1, 2023 at Greater New Antioch Baptist Church, with the Reverend Johnny Turner of Mount Arack Baptist Church officiating. Repass to follow immediately in the fellowship hall.