Delora Mae "Penny" Lawrence, 84, of La Plata, MD, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on March 19, 2014. Born October 9, 1929, in Wilson, NC to the late James Arthur Tart and Carrie Iona Bass Tart.

Penny graduated from Anacostia High School in 1947. She worked at Haley and Rivkin Insurance Company for most of her career and retired from the federal government in 1986.

Affectionately known as "Penny", she enjoyed bowling, playing cards and Bingo. She loved spending time with family and friends and was a member of St. Mary's Newport Church.

In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by her husband, Joseph Walter "Wally" Lawrence of 57 years; her brothers, James and Steve Tart; sisters, Mava Lee Jordan, Oneida Batts and Hazel Jones.

Survived by her sons, Joseph Walter, Jr. and his fiancé, Barbara Baumler of Charlotte Hall; Charles Andrew and his wife, Evelyn of La Plata; her grandchildren, Jessica Lawrence of Pomfret; Brian Lawrence and his wife, Lindsey of White Plains; Drew Lawrence of La Plata; and Christopher Lawrence of La Plata. She is also survived by her sister-in-laws, Marge Hein of Newburg; Jeanne Butler of Casselbury, FL; Arlene Lawrence of Brandywine; and many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends will be received for a visitation on Sunday, March 23, 2014, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm with prayers beginning at 7:00 p.m. at Brinsfield-Echols Funeral Home, PA, 30195 Three Notch Road, Charlotte Hall, MD 20622. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, March 24, 2014, beginning at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary's Newport, 11555 St. Mary's Church Road, Charlotte Hall, MD 20622. Interment will follow to the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 8400 Silver Crossing, Oklahoma City, OK 73132.

Arrangements provided by Brinsfield-Echols Funeral Home.