Ernest Hamilton Lawrence Jr. passed away peacefully after a long battle with renal and bone marrow cancer on June 21, 2023.  Born in Winchester, VA, he lived in Hampton for 35 years before moving to Williamsburg in 2014. Ernest (Ernie) was preceded in death by his mother, Dorothea Frasier Geanious, father, Ernest Hamilton Lawrence Jr., sister, Jean Lawrence High and stepfather, James Geanious.

Surviving Ernie are his beloved wife of 61 years Kitty Ferguson Lawrence; children and spouses, Dorothy L. Garrity (Joe), Michael W. Lawrence (Joy),  and Shelly L. Dederick (Wayne); sisters, Kay L. Picciuto (Thom) and Regina G. Burgin; grandchildren, Patrick, Evan, Madison, Zane, Kayla, Elizabeth, Abigail, Danny and Emma; and great-grandchildren Theodore and Boyd.

Ernie served in the US Air Force for four years.  He was stationed at LAFB, Puerto Rico and Greenland.  After leaving the military he worked at Newport News Shipbuilding where he retired as a planner in 2003.

Ernie was a member of First United Methodist Church Fox Hill for over 50 years where he sang in the church choir.  He was loved by the choir director Peggy Porter.  When Ernie would take a break from the choir Peggy would lure him back with the promise of a carrot cake.  He loved carrot cake!  Ernie and Kitty were also counselors for the Methodist Youth Fellowship for a number of years early in their marriage.

Ernie was loved by so many and especially the exchange students that he and Kitty sponsored over the years.  Maria, Leticia, Connie, Sofia, and Estibaliz have all sent notes and messages of love about "Papasita" or father.  They all became part of the family and are still loved.

Ernie loved his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and tried to spend as much time with them as possible.  Whether it was in Williamsburg, Hampton or Maryland he tried to see them as often as he could.

Ernie and Kitty loved to travel. They were fortunate to visit beautiful places such as Aruba, Las Vegas, Bermuda, Bahamas, Europe, Canada, Mexico and 32 states including Alaska and Hawaii. They were fortunate to be able to see all those places and met friends along the way.

Kitty was the love of Ernie's life!  They met at Buckroe Beach 63 years ago and were married in 1961. They raised three beautiful children who are their pride and joy along with their families. They were each other's best friend and did very little apart from each other.  During Ernie's last few years Kitty was his caregiver and made sure she was his advocate when receiving health-care. She was there at the end and made sure he was comfortable.  A celebration of life will be held at a later date.  The family wishes in lieu of flowers that contributions be made to the American Red Cross by clicking HERE .

The family will have visitation from 10-11:00 AM Saturday, July 22, 2023, at First United Methodist Church in Fox Hill, 1 Salt Pond Road in Hampton.  Immediately following at 11:00 AM, a Ernie's life will be remembered and celebrated.

Arrangements are by Berceuse Funeral and Cremation Traditions in Hampton.