Lawrence D. Ashford

The Management and Support Staff of Nelson's Funeral  Home sorrowfully  announce the death of Mr. Lawrence D. Ashford, 64, of 170 Prospect Avenue 17E, Hackensack, New Jersey.  Mr. Ashford died Monday, March 16, 2015.

Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, March 24, 2015, 6:00 p.m. at St. Paul United Methodist Church, 210 Levitt Parkway, Willingboro, New Jersey and a Home Going Service will be held on Friday, March 27, 2015, 2:30 p.m. at St. Mark Baptist Church, 4118 SC-34, Ridgeway, SC 29130. Interment will follow in the St. Mark Baptist Church Cemetery.

Public viewing will be held Thursday, March 26, 2015, 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Nelson’s funeral home, 270 N. Dogwood Ave., Ridgeway, South Carolina.

Mr. Lawrence D. Ashford was born on September 11, 1950 in Columbia, South Carolina. He was the son of the late Mr. Nathaniel Ashford and Ollie May Johnson (Adopted parents) and the late Mr. Earl Mayo and Marian Jones Munk. Lawrence, affectionately known as Larry, was a member of St. Mark Baptist church as a child and young adult. He departed this earthly life after a long physically challenging period after suffering a massive stroke in July of 2010. 

Lawrence graduated from Fairfield High School in Winnsboro, South Carolina in 1968, and received an Associate’s Degree from Benedict College. Lawrence later served for four years as a medical corpsman in the US Navy. After being honorably discharged in 1973, Lawrence married his high school sweetheart Diane M. Ashford in 1974 and started his family in 1975. Lawrence began working at the Department of Veteran Affairs in Columbia, South Carolina. During his tenure, Lawrence received multiple promotions and transferred to Tuskegee, Alabama; Akron, Ohio and finally settled in Burlington Township, New Jersey. He later became the State’s Supply Depot Administrator managing the distribution of all medical supplies for veterans across the state of New Jersey. Lawrence ended his career as a VA Hospital Administrator in East Orange, New Jersey, retiring at the age of 50. 

Lawrence had three children, the oldest Latrise was born in 1975, his second child Jessica was born in 1980. Sadly in 1983, he and Diane lost their youngest daughter Alicia shortly after her birth in 1983. Lawrence’s first priority was his children. After the passing of his beloved wife, Lawrence guided both of his daughters through Yale University and University of Maryland, College Park being a faithful and devoted father. He constantly reminded them to achieve their goals and to excel in their respective careers.

After retiring from the VA, Lawrence began a new chapter in his life and completed his education by attending Palmers Theological Seminary, ultimately receiving his Masters in Divinity. Prior to his illness, Lawrence lived an active and rich life and served many years as an active member of Alpha Baptist Church. Lawrence later became a member of St. Paul United Methodist Church. He was a soloist and served on multiple choirs. Singing the praises of the Lord was always one of Lawrence’s passions.  He was also appointed a Lay leader and worked closely with the International World Missionary Organization which met annually in Green Lake, Wisconsin. Lawrence served as the Chaplin for Disabled American Veterans (DAV) for the state of New Jersey. 

For those that knew Lawrence, it was impossible to be around him without experiencing a hearty laugh. His quick wit, and spirited sense of humor was his true gift. He never met a stranger, and wherever he went, he always left with a new friend. 

Lawrence was loved, respected and admired by many, teaching key life lessons even during his illness. His true desire in life was to be a blessing to others, and that he certainly was.  Lawrence is survived by his daughters Latrise Ashford Brissett and Jessica Ashford, his granddaughter Madison Morgan, his son-in law Aston Brissett, his brother Charles Mayo, sisters: Miriam Williamson, Doris Thompkins, Cynthia Sneed, Robbie Lee Walker, Bernette Jones, brother-in-law James K. Lewis (Kay Lewis), and a host of nieces and nephews.  

He was preceded in death by his wife, Diane M. Ashford and daughter Alicia D. Ashford.

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