Valda U. Lawrence was born to Ernest and Loretta Yorke on January 1, 1935, in the parish of St. Ann on the island of Jamaica. She went home to glory on December 10, 2025. She is survived by her husband, Stanford Richard Lawrence; her sons, Fitzroy Paul Lawrence, Oliver Garth Lawrence, and Antonio Ian Lawrence; her sisters, Verona Gordon and Pauline Barnett; her granddaughters, Brandy Oliva Lawrence and Taylor Marie Lawrence; and nieces and nephews from the Gordon and Yorke families.

Valda Lawrence was the first family member to migrate to the United States of America in the 1960s. She made her home in Norwalk, Connecticut. Although she knew no one in America, she bravely made the journey alone to chart new paths for her family. She found employment as a nanny. Because the solidarity of family was foremost for her, she sought a path to America for her sister, Verona Gordon. Together, they moved forward to bring their sister Ethlyn Mae Gordon and brother Lester Yorke to America.

Valda Lawrence, like many compatriots, worked multiple jobs. Working a single full-time job was not enough because she intended to unite her family in America as soon as possible. So, she began by bringing her husband, Stanford Lawrence, to America and then her sons.

Once her family was reunited, she set her sights on acquiring a home to achieve the American dream. To accomplish this goal, Valda worked two jobs. For over 30 years, she worked as a Nursing Assistant at Westport Manor Nursing Home in Westport, Connecticut, and later at the State of Connecticut Lower Fairfield Regional Center for Special Needs Children, all the while working at Sanitary Dry Cleaners part-time in the morning.

Valda Lawrence never shied away from arduous work, even when her body was riddled with pain from rheumatoid arthritis that dictated so much of her future. The Arthritis never stopped Valda from accomplishing her goals; it slowed her down, but it could not stop her. It was Valda Lawrence's strong faith that she relied on to keep moving forward, even when her crippling illness took both of her legs and caused her wrist to lock.

Valda Lawrence came to know the Lord at an early age; she was baptized as a young girl. Her faith instructed her to become an active and founding member of the Norwalk Church of God under the direction of Pastor Robinson.

Valda Lawrence was well known for her charitable donations to veterans’ organizations and children’s charities. With her son serving in the United States Marines, she felt a strong affinity for the military and those veterans who served this country. Her generosity was not limited to the veterans; she never forgot her family members in Jamaica. Valda Lawrence funded the education of several young relatives living in Jamaica. She had a generous heart and strong faith that no sickness or adversity could change.

His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master. Mathew 25:21.